Defining “Fair Market Value” in Eminent Domain Cases

By Peterson Law Group on January 30, 2024

An assessor wearing a hard hat and a safety vest holding a clipboard and a pen.

Eminent domain, the power of the government to take private property for public use, is a concept deeply ingrained in legal systems. It often raises questions about the fair compensation owed to property owners. Understanding the intricacies of “fair market value” in eminent domain cases is essential for both property owners and the government involved in these cases.

Posted in: Eminent Domain

How To Know Whether You Have an Inverse Condemnation Case

By Peterson Law Group on January 15, 2024

A construction vehicle on a plot of dirt land.

Inverse condemnation is a legal concept that can be difficult to grasp, making it hard to determine whether you have a strong case. Property owners can overcome challenges in inverse condemnation cases by documenting damages with photos and records, gathering eyewitness accounts, obtaining expert opinions, and collecting relevant government documents.

Natural Disasters & Insurance for California Property Owners

By Peterson Law Group on December 20, 2023

yellow traffic sign in the middle of the road reads

Natural disasters impact your business in several ways. In addition to damaging your facilities, natural disasters also cause losses stemming from the business interruption that occurs while you are working to get back up on your feet again.

California State Property Injury Claims: Proving Negligence

By Peterson Law Group on December 10, 2023

A book of law with a scale of justice on top on a desk that also has a gavel.

If you were seriously injured due to dangerous conditions on property owned by the state of California, such as roads, bridges, and parks, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you have incurred. However, the State has created legal barriers to protect itself from liability in these situations. That’s why it’s important to find a Los Angeles dangerous property condition attorney who is well-versed in the relevant statutes and legal precedents that apply to these cases.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in California Civil Trials

By Peterson Law Group on November 30, 2023

A lawyer questioning a witness in a court of law.

California civil trials involving property damage, asset loss, and related issues for businesses often hinge on the expertise provided by witnesses. Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in presenting evidence, building and resolving cases, and contributing to the overall legal strategy.

Posted in: Civil Litigation

Damage to Real Property and Tort Law

By Peterson Law Group on November 15, 2023

A tree fallen down in front of a large brick home.

Damage to real property can be a significant concern in California, especially when it involves cases where a public entity may be at fault, such as a city or the State. Understanding the process of pursuing compensation for property damage is crucial, especially against a public entity, because special sets of rules apply.

Inverse Condemnation and California Property Rights

By Peterson Law Group on October 20, 2023

A sign on a fence that reads

Under the doctrine of eminent domain, government agencies have the legal right to take private property without the owner’s consent for public use. The action of taking the property is known as condemnation. The flip side of eminent domain is inverse condemnation, in which a private property owner files a lawsuit against the government for taking or damaging property. It is essential for property owners to seek legal representation to help protect their rights in the face of government actions.

California Eminent Domain: A Guide for Small Business Owners

By Peterson Law Group on October 10, 2023

A man switching a sign that reads

Eminent domain is the right of the government to take private property for public use. “Condemnation” is the formal act of exercising the power to transfer title to the subject property. Small business owners facing eminent domain pressure may encounter challenges and concerns. Condemnation can cause a business to lose one of its main assets. A business owner who purchased a property years earlier may have to pay significantly more for a comparable space. If the business owned the building outright, the company may have to take on mortgage payments to relocate.

Posted in: Eminent Domain

California Landslide Laws: What Property Owners Need to Know

By Peterson Law Group on September 20, 2023

A sloped dirt hill by a road. Landslide angle.

A landslide can cause substantial damage to your property and create havoc in your life. It can damage your home and property in a number of ways, including:

  • Mud and dirt intrusion
  • Water damage
  • Mold
  • Contamination
  • Foundation cracks
  • Structural and wall damage
  • Patio or driveway damage
  • Landscaping damage
  • Fire and smoke damage

If your property has been hit by a landslide, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.

Slip-and-Fall Liability and Dangerous Public Sidewalks

By Peterson Law Group on September 10, 2023

An unkept public side walk with cracks and weeds

Hazardous public sidewalks can cause serious slip or trip-and-fall injuries to residents and visitors who use them. California has some of the most dangerous sidewalks in the country. Cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalks numbering in the thousands have led to numerous complaints. Trip or slip-and-fall accidents can cause a range of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractured bones. When pedestrians are hurt by dangerous sidewalks, responsible parties should be held accountable.

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