- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Seattle and Tacoma Condemnation Attorneys
Protecting your rights in condemnation cases
Many property and business owners find themselves facing condemnation of their property when they least expect it. When the government decides to exercise its Fifth Amendment1 right to claim your property, chances are you have many questions regarding your legal rights in the condemnation action. At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, our experienced condemnation attorneys represent the interests of landowners in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington facing an imminent taking of their property.
Defending against condemnation claims
Though the Constitution allows the government to take land for its own use, the law sets out certain requirements for when condemnation of property is allowed. For example:
- The purpose for taking the property must be for public use
- The government can only take the property necessary to complete the project
Though defending against condemnation can be challenging, an experienced attorney can identify whether you have any applicable legal defenses to prevent the taking or limit the amount of property claimed.
Ensuring you receive just compensation for your property
The Fifth Amendment further requires that landowners receive “just compensation”2 for any land claimed by the government. If you are facing condemnation, the government entity in question will make you an initial offer for compensation. In the large majority of cases, this offer is extremely inadequate and does not take into consideration the full value of your property.
Just compensation is determined based on the fair market value of your property and government appraisers often fail to account for all of the relevant losses you may suffer by losing your property. Our experienced condemnation lawyers can have an independent appraiser determine the full value of your property by thoroughly analyzing the past, present, and future value of the property and the effects of the eminent domain action. We will then use the appraisal to negotiate the full value of just compensation for you.
Discuss your case with an experienced condemnation attorney in Seattle or Tacoma today
The condemnation process is complicated and many property owners do not know how to adequately stand up for their rights. Call the skilled condemnation lawyers at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess at 253-572-1000 for a consultation today.
1https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment
2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_compensation
Featured Testimonial
“Personally, I have dealt with a few law firms and I can honestly say the Dicksons work from the heart! They not only assist people the most cost efficient way but are genuinely interested in the best outcome for their clients. Not to mention, they are fast and are always available to communicate with their clients. I’m very pleased by their services and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a real honest and above competent attorney. “
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Lacey L. Hatch
Lacey has developed an in-depth knowledge and has successfully advised clients in an array of land use matters, including project review, code drafting and interpretation, as well as a variety of litigation pertinent to land use issues.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
