Eminent Domain

Wisconsin Eminent Domain Lawyers

The Wisconsin Constitution allows state and local governments and utilities to take private property for public use to build roads, bridges, power lines, housing developments and other basic public works. The Constitution requires, however, that the property owner must be paid fair market value for the land.

When government proposes to use such powers, called eminent domain or condemnation, the property owner needs to take action to protect his or her rights and interests. The help of an experienced eminent domain lawyer is essential to protect your ownership rights.

Murphy Desmond S.C. has extensive experience in eminent domain, land use, zoning, and other real estate law issues. We will use all of the legal tools and resources at our disposal to prevent your land from being taken. At a minimum, we will work to obtain fair and higher compensation than proposed by the government or utilities.

Call 608.807.0262 or contact us online to arrange for a consultation.

Protecting Your Property Rights

Government is increasingly stretching the bounds of its eminent domain powers as it relates to the public good. Oftentimes its goals are centered on re-developments or other projects of questionable value to the public at large. Whatever the stated purposes of the project, a fair value of the property must be established to protect a property owner's rights.

In these situations, the government will appoint its own appraiser to obtain a full narrative appraisal of the property. Murphy Desmond lawyers can represent you in discussions with this appraiser to communicate special factors that affect the value of the land. We can also coordinate an objective appraisal and negotiate on your behalf.

If these negotiations fail, we will protect your rights and file suit to ensure you receive fair compensation for your property. In some cases, a court will order the government to also pay your attorney fees.

If you are dealing with an eminent domain situation, Murphy Desmond's eminent domain lawyers will work hard to represent you in protecting your property owner rights and ensure that your financial interests are protected to the fullest extent possible.

For a consultation with Murphy Desmond S.C., call 608.807.0262 or send us an e-mail. Our firm serves clients in the Madison area and throughout Wisconsin.