Ranchers can’t be everywhere on their ranch all the time. So, when a surveyor climbs a rancher’s fence to access private property at the instruction of a government entity, like a pipeline or a transmission line, the rancher may not know that eminent domain has arrived. So, it’s important for ranchers to stay connected to organizations that follow condemnation projects and professionals who specialize in eminent domain. Our daily work brings us in contact with many of these organizations and professionals. To assist ranchers who want to stay informed, our Associations page references some of these organizations.
In a Navarro County case, a rancher’s large and productive ranch was repeatedly flooded by water releases from an upstream lake. He was presented with a final eminent domain offer of $200,000. That was, according to the condemning entity, all they were willing to pay. The rancher fought back and took the case to trial resulting in a $34.2 million dollar recovery. That award was upheld by the Texas Supreme Court. The net recovery to this landowner was $21.9 million after legal fees and litigation, trial, and appellate expenses.
SOURCE: Dawson & Sodd PLLC
The moral of this case study is “know your rights, seek counsel and stand your ground.”
You don’t have to walk through this alone. Give us a call.
If you have ranchland impacted by eminent domain, give us a call or schedule a free consultation. Our experiences with ranching families could be beneficial to you and yours.
It is important to note that specific details and requirements of a 1033 exchange can vary, and it is recommended to consult with a tax professional or attorney with expertise in eminent domain and tax law to navigate the process correctly.
