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Lewis & Keller are here to help ensure that you are treated fairly and properly compensated for your property.

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Your Winston-Salem Eminent Domain Attorney

When most people hear the word “condemnation,” they think of the government tearing down dilapidated buildings. Although it is true that the government does have the right to prevent people from living in homes that are dangerous and even to tear down a home if repairs are not made, the homeowner still gets to keep the land on which the condemned house was located. 

The laws that govern condemned houses are very different from the laws that give the government the right to take your land and everything on it.The authority that gives the government the power to take private land for a public purpose is known as “eminent domain.” “Condemnation” is simply the process by which the government uses its eminent domain authority. 

The eminent domain lawyers at Lewis & Keller can provide comprehensive representation to help fight against the taking of your North Carolina property or commercial land. Armed with extensive experience, we understand the complexities of condemnation law. We’ve guided many families just like yours through the complicated eminent domain process, and we can help you too!

We’re Here for
You 24/7

We make getting the help you need with your case easy! Once we determine that you have a case, we handle everything else.

You Have
Rights

The North Carolina Constitution guarantees you must be paid “just compensation,” and we work hard to defend that legally protected right.

No-Cost Consultations

We don’t charge for our initial consultations! Just give us a call or complete our online form for a free case review. 

We Know This Is a Difficult Time

You worked hard for your home and it belongs to you and your family. To hear that someday your home, your land, your investment, and your children’s inheritance are going to be taken by the government is terrifying. You may be upset and uncertain about the next steps. Lewis & Keller can help you understand the eminent domain process, explain what you can do to protect yourself, and take care of the entire legal process on your behalf. 

From gathering evidence of your property’s true value to filing your lawsuit to fighting earnestly for your maximum compensation, the champions for every client at Lewis & Keller will take all of the added stress off. Our goal is to make you feel satisfied with the results of a situation that would otherwise be distressing for you and your family.

See What Our Clients Say

Princess Bishop
Princess Bishop
I appreciation my lawyer .They did an excellent job on my case.
Janice Lewis
Janice Lewis
You pay them for their advise, PLEASE just take it, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Dana
Tawana Smith
Tawana Smith
If you are ever in a need Please! don't hesitate to call Lewis and Keller trust me you can't go wrong with them! They were God sent to me, and I just love them they were so nice and concerned about my health! And they were very respectful they worked hard on my case and they got me back more than I thought I was getting back! lordy be the God! Just a matter a fact I walked out of that office today a very satisfied client I was like a kid in a big candy store But seriously all jokes aside call them if you are ever in a need of there assistance, you want be sorry that you did And may God continue to bless them for all the help that they do for those in need Thank you again Lewis and Keller Signed A very happy campper Mrs. Smith
Will M
Will M
The office at Lewis and keller is absolutely outstanding. They took on my disability case the day that I was denied initially and worked with ne every step of the way to ensure that everything was taken care of and in order. Tammy Hale is an absolute godsend and is amazing working with others and keeping in contact with them each step of the way. I highly recommend lewis and keller to anyone who is struggling to get approved for their disability. They will work with you and keep you informed through everything.
Tracey Patterson
Tracey Patterson
Right now we're waiting to see if they'll take our accident case. They came highly recommended by a family friend.
Devon Piner
Devon Piner
Dana (Lawyer) and Victoria (Legal Assistant) did a fantastic job handling my personal injury case due to a car accident I was involved in. It took a while to get all of my information and medical records together - which was nothing they could control. They kept me informed throughout the entire process. They definitely know what they are doing and I recommend anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer to use Lewis and Keller!
Rebekah
Rebekah
Thank you Shannon and Samantha! Worker's comp was stringing me along since 2021, and now because of you I get to finally be done with this whole situation. I tried giving worker's comp chance after chance, and really didn't want to have to take legal action. I was absolutely confused, this was my 1st time doing anything like this. It was a blessing that Lewis&Keller was the result I chose for help, I cannot thank you all enough!
David Hogg
David Hogg
Thank you very much Lewis and Keller Firm.Did an outstanding job of representing me and my case.Thanks again. David

Do You Have a Case?

Explore the tabs below to learn more about eminent domain and the government’s role in property condemnation.

What is the Takings Clause?

The takings clause is the part of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that allows for eminent domain. It states that when the government tries to take property from an individual or business owner, they must provide just compensation and be able to demonstrate that they will use it for public use.

Lewis & Keller challenges government land condemnation cases where the projects do not qualify for public use or where there are other ways for the project to be completed without depriving you and your family of your home. We also work to make sure you are justly compensated for the property.

The Government’s Case

Elite North Carolina Land Condemnation Lawyers

For decades, the land condemnation attorneys at Lewis & Keller have helped clients resolve their most pressing land condemnation legal problems. 

Our founding partner, Mike Lewis, has been recognized by U.S. News/Best Lawyers for his expertise in land condemnation every year since 2007.

If the government is threatening to take your home or your business, please contact us immediately.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to For My Property?

Under the law in North Carolina, the landowners in an eminent domain case are required to prove that they are entitled to receive compensation and to establish the amount they are due. This amount can be determined by the “measure of damages,” which refers to the fair market value of the property at the time when the lawsuit was filed.

If all of this is overwhelmingly confusing, don’t get discouraged! We know this may sound like a lot of complicated information, but for us, it is second nature. In the decades worth of eminent domain cases that we’ve handled for our North Carolina neighbors, we’ve always fought for the highest amount legally available to our clients. 

If you’re concerned about receiving just compensation for your soon-to-be condemned property, we are always available to provide a free consultation and work with you to reach a fair agreement. 

The fair market value of any property will be the amount that would be agreed upon as a fair price by an owner who wishes to sell but is not compelled to do so, and a buyer who wishes to buy but is not compelled to do so.

Our Results Speak For themselves

$

7000000

Settlement For Motorcycle Accident

$

3000000

Settlement For Female Plaintiff

$

1393000

Workers’ Compensation Settlement

How Can Lewis & Keller Help?

The attorneys at Lewis & Keller have a deep understanding of eminent domain law and are committed to championing the rights of every client. If you are facing an eminent domain issue, we can help. We know this is a worrisome time for you and we are here to make it as hassle-free as possible. Our experience and dedication will give you the best chance to successfully navigate this process. Please contact us so we can discuss your specific situation and how we can help.

With our assistance, you will maximize your chances of getting fair compensation for your home or business property.

What Comes Next?

If it appears that your property may be affected by eminent domain, you can protect yourself by being proactive. Following the appropriate steps before your land is taken will increase your chances of receiving a favorable settlement for your property.

After contacting an eminent domain attorney from our firm for your cost-free consultation, these are the steps you should take to ensure you get the most out of this process:

  • Refrain from applying for building permits and zoning changes.
  • Keep up the appearance and condition of your property.
  • Do not give the government a copy of appraisal reports, income statements, or other personal property information.
  • Ask about relocation benefits that you may be eligible for.
  • Avoid sales contracts or listing agreements.

In some instances, you may also be approached by a property appraiser or representative of the government prior to the land being seized. It’s vital that you do not speak to any government representatives without first speaking to an attorney. Your statements may be recorded and used against you in the future to lower your settlement offer. Important questions that your attorney will likely ask or advise you to ask the government representative are:

  • Is the proposed project funded?
  • Will the government seize my property?
  • Am I eligible for an “advanced acquisition”?

Every bit of information that you can obtain prior to your land being taken will help you in this process. This is because these details can be used by your team at Lewis & Keller to help fortify your lawsuit, ensuring that it is as strong as possible before going to court. We will make absolutely certain that the government has followed the proper fair notice steps.

Eminent Domain FAQs

How Can the D.O.T. Take My Property?

The D.O.T. may take private property for the “public good” where they determine that it is necessary to do so to provide safer and more modern highways. Their goal is to take into account the public’s well-being, feasible engineering, safety, and economic standpoints, and create the least amount of inconvenience or hardship for the public.

After the D.O.T. selects and approves a route and the highway design is complete, right-of-way agents for the state contact all affected property owners. These right-of-way agents will provide information to landowners about how the project will be constructed, and they will also obtain information about your property.

If you will be required to move, a relocation agent will also contact you to discuss assistance and payment allowances.

The D.O.T. will then make you a written offer for your land which will include:

  • the amount offered as just compensation; 
  • a description of the property to be taken; and 
  • an identification of all buildings and other improvements which will be taken.
How Long Will the Process Take After the Lawsuit Is Filed?
How Much Money Can I Get?
How Much Will Legal Representation Cost Me?
What Parts of North Carolina Does Lewis & Keller Serve?