Texas Eminent Domain Attorney — Don’t Sign Anything Until You Know What Your Property Is Really Worth
If the government, TxDOT, a pipeline company, or any other entity has contacted you about taking or using your property in Texas — stop. Do not sign anything. Do not cash any check. The first offer you receive is almost never fair market value, and once you accept it your right to fight for more is gone forever. RTM PLLC represents DFW property owners exclusively in eminent domain and condemnation proceedings, fighting to maximize your compensation and protect every right you have under Texas and federal law.
⚠️ The First Offer Is Almost Never Fair — And Signing Kills Your Right to More
Condemning entities have experienced attorneys and appraisers working for them from day one. Their appraisal is designed to protect their budget — not to reflect what your property is truly worth. RTM PLLC obtains independent appraisals, challenges the condemning entity’s valuation, and negotiates aggressively on your behalf. Many DFW property owners receive significantly more compensation after retaining RTM PLLC than they would have accepted from the original offer.
Who Can Take Your Property in Texas?
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) — highway and road expansion projects throughout DFW
- City and county governments — for public infrastructure and development projects
- Pipeline companies — for oil, gas, and water pipelines crossing private land
- Utility companies — for power lines, substations, and utility easements
- School districts and other public entities
- The federal government — for federal projects and installations
- Private developers in certain redevelopment situations
How RTM PLLC Fights for DFW Property Owners
- Negotiating higher compensation — challenging lowball offers with independent appraisals and aggressive negotiation
- Challenging the taking itself — reviewing whether the condemning entity has legal authority and a valid public use purpose
- Inverse condemnation claims — when government action damages your property without going through formal condemnation
- Pipeline and utility easement negotiation — fighting for fair compensation and narrow easement terms that protect your remaining land
- Commercial property takings — pursuing full compensation including business losses, relocation costs, and severance damages
- Special Commissioners Hearings — representing you at formal compensation hearings when negotiation fails
- Trial — taking your case to district court when necessary to get you what you deserve
You Are Entitled to More Than Just the Value of the Land Taken
Most property owners do not realize that Texas law entitles them to compensation for far more than just the market value of the land being taken. RTM PLLC fights to recover every element of compensation you are legally owed.
- Fair market value of the property or portion taken
- Damage to your remaining property caused by the taking
- Loss of access to your property or business
- Business damages and lost profits in certain cases
- Severance damages when a partial taking reduces the value of what remains
- Relocation assistance and moving expenses
- Cost of independent appraisal fees
- Attorney’s fees in certain circumstances
Has the Government Damaged Your Property Without Compensating You?
Inverse condemnation happens when the government damages or effectively takes your property without going through the formal condemnation process and without paying you anything. Common examples in DFW include flooding caused by government drainage projects, road construction that destroys access to your business, and infrastructure projects that devastate neighboring property values. If this has happened to you RTM PLLC can pursue an inverse condemnation claim to recover the compensation you are owed even though the government never formally contacted you.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Eminent Domain
Do I have to accept the government’s offer for my property in Texas? Absolutely not. You have the right to negotiate, obtain your own independent appraisal, and have your compensation determined at a Special Commissioners Hearing if you cannot reach a fair agreement. RTM PLLC routinely recovers significantly more than initial offers for DFW property owners.
How long do I have to respond to an eminent domain offer in Texas? Texas law requires condemning entities to give you at least 30 days to consider an offer before filing a condemnation petition. However you should contact RTM PLLC immediately upon receiving any contact about your property — the earlier we get involved the more options you have and the stronger your position.
Can a pipeline company really take my land in Texas? Yes. Certain pipeline companies in Texas have been granted eminent domain authority. However their offers are frequently far below what landowners deserve and their proposed easement terms are often overly broad. RTM PLLC negotiates pipeline easements and represents landowners at condemnation proceedings to ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Does RTM PLLC handle TxDOT takings in DFW? Yes. TxDOT highway and road expansion projects are among the most common sources of eminent domain takings in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. RTM PLLC represents property and business owners affected by TxDOT projects throughout Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties.
Your Property. Your Rights. Do Not Face the Government Alone — Call RTM PLLC Today.
The government and condemning entities have experienced legal teams protecting their interests from day one. You deserve the same. RTM PLLC represents DFW property owners exclusively in eminent domain matters and offers free consultations so you can understand your rights with zero obligation. Call us today at (254) 421-4442 or submit the form below. Do not sign anything first.