Eminent Domain

Determining Highest and Best Use

Massachusetts Eminent Domain Litigation Attorneys

If a state or municipal entity is determined to take your property for a public purpose, the old adage that you can't stop City Hall holds true. However, displaced owners are entitled to fair compensation for the loss. Our lawyers have the proven capacity to hold government bodies accountable for the full value of the land they are taking.

Jeffrey T. Angley, P.C., a member of Phillips & Angley, Attorneys at Law, in Boston, Massachusetts, represents clients in damage claims under a Chapter 79 eminent domain action. We have represented homeowners, commercial property owners, and owners of vacant land throughout Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth and Suffolk counties and throughout Massachusetts.

Provided that the municipal, county, or state entity is taking the property for a legitimate public purpose (recreational facility, wastewater treatment, roadway, etc.), the government entity adopts an order of taking. The eminent domain taking will occur soon after notice is served to the affected landowner(s).

Eminent Domain Damages

Litigation centers on determining a fair market valuation. State Government entities are notorious for low-balling the fair market value. Jeff Angley and his experienced associates hold the governmental entity to its obligation under state statute to compensate the owner for the highest and best use of the land. We analyze all potential uses of the land, hiring engineers, appraisers, wetland and other experts to determine a just and accurate valuation. Through negotiations or at trial, we fight for the rights of our clients to receive their due.

Damages for Partial Taking

If the actions of a public entity have the effect of devaluing or cutting off access to a property, landowners have legal recourse even when eminent domain has not been invoked. Jeffrey T. Angley, P.C. advises clients on whether they can sue for constructive taking under of the eminent domain statute (Chapter 79, Section 9). We can initiate inverse condemnation, compelling the governmental entity to assume the affected property and/or pay fair value damages.

Jeff Angley has practiced for 20 years in land use and real property law. His experience, meticulous research, and formidable trial skills make him an effective advocate in eminent domain litigation. Contact us online or call 617-367-8787 to arrange a consultation.