When you own a property in Pennsylvania, you might think it’s yours until you sell it. However, the government can take part of it to use for a variety of purposes. While the government doesn’t need permission from the homeowner to do so, they do need to compensate the owner fairly. If the governmental entity does not fairly compensate the owner, the owner can bring an inverse condemnation legal action.
Seeking adequate condemnation
Eminent domain does give the governmental entity the legal right to possess your property for some types of developments or improvements, but the government must pay you the fair market value for the portion of your property that was taken. If the government doesn’t pay you an amount of money that you think is fair, you can sue them.
You can challenge the government on what you think is the fair market value of your property, but a court will decide whether the government owes you anything.
How inverse condemnation cases are handled
Most inverse condemnation cases are handled in the county or state where the plaintiff lives. If the plaintiff doesn’t get the resolution that they were hoping for, they can take it to the federal court.
If the government has taken part of your property and hasn’t compensated you properly, you may be able to get the money that you feel they owe you. You should seek legal help from someone that has experience dealing with inverse condemnation cases.
