Eminent Domain

Eminent Domain Attorneys in Longview

Guiding Our Clients through in Easement & Right-of-Way Agreements

Texas has changed a lot in 40 years. New highways, utility lines, pipelines, and other corporate and public projects have popped up to stimulate the economy and provide the general public with the infrastructure it needs to thrive.

Throughout this period of development, Coghlan Crowson, LLP has represented clients in easement and right-of-way acquisitions to facilitate this new infrastructure. If necessary, we engage and guide our clients through the process of acquisition by eminent domain. Since 1979, Coghlan Crowson, LLP has represented electric utility, pipeline, and private property owners who needed our guidance to acquire or sell the necessary rights to build new or expand existing infrastructure. We have handled hundreds of such transactions for our clients.

Our eminent domain attorneys in Longview have been involved in transaction negotiations and litigation for disputes that concerned singular acquisitions for specific purposes as well as larger acquisitions for substantial projects covering hundreds of miles throughout Northeast Texas and Southern Arkansas.

What is Eminent Domain?

Eminent domain is the power of the government to acquire private property for public use. However in order to do this, the government must provide just compensation to the property owner.

We have fought for our clients in negotiations and in court on both sides of a multitude of easement and right-of-way acquisitions involving the following types of entities:

• Utility companies
• Common carrier pipelines
• Municipalities
• Highway departments

If you need our guidance with the acquisition of easements and right-of-way or if you are contacted by the government or a corporate entity with regard to an eminent domain matter, immediately seek representation. The process is technical, deadline driven, and actions must often be taken swiftly whether you are acquiring real property rights, or you have been approached about selling your property or rights under the threat of eminent domain.

The lawyers at Coghlan Crowson, LLP, offer qualified legal experience to provide you the best opportunity to achieve a favorable outcome in any eminent domain matter.

What Can You Do About Eminent Domain in Texas?

When the government or a private company is compelling you to sell your property, you need legal representation to ensure you are fairly compensated for your loss. Owners who have property taken from them through the process known as “condemnation” must receive adequate compensation, but this doesn’t always happen.

Those seeking property to build a new project have a vested interest in keeping their costs as low as possible, which includes what they will offer you for your land. They may assign a low value for the property they intend to take or may even make it exceedingly difficult for you to obtain the compensation you are rightfully owed.

For these reasons, you should seek the assistance of our eminent domain attorneys in Northeast Texas to advocate for your interests. We can help ensure that you are treated justly and fairly with respect to your legal rights in an eminent domain agreement or dispute.

Was Your Land Already Taken Without Compensation?

Typically, eminent domain cases are brought forward by the government or a corporation that has been granted the power of eminent domain by the government. Completing this legal action, which often requires providing compensation to the owner, must preempt any use of the land by the government or corporate entity seeking such use.

In some situations, however, land can be improperly taken without providing the property owner with the compensation required by both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas State Constitution. When this occurs, property owners are permitted to file a condemnation lawsuit – known as inverse condemnation – to seek compensation for the seizure or use of their land.