Peterson Law Group Blog

Zoning Changes: How to Challenge New Zoning Regulations

By Peterson Law Group on July 30, 2024

A little toy house on a small map of a city.

California zoning regulations are fundamental to property management. They govern land use and development across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These regulations also dictate how land can be utilized, significantly influencing property values.

Posted in: Civil Litigation

How to Determine Liability in Subsidence Cases

By Peterson Law Group on July 15, 2024

A scale of justice and a judges gavel.

Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the ground’s surface. It can be a natural or human-caused occurrence. Natural subsidence includes phenomena like sinkholes and erosion, where the ground collapses or wears away due to natural processes such as water dissolution of underground materials. On the other hand, man-made subsidence results from human activities such as mining and construction, which can cause the ground to destabilize and sink.

Inverse Condemnation: Per Se Takings and Exactions

By Peterson Law Group on June 30, 2024

A small bronze blind lady scale of justice statue.

Inverse condemnation is when a government entity takes private property for public use without formally invoking its eminent domain powers. This may include physical occupation, regulatory actions restricting property use, or other actions diminishing property value.

The 3 Main Types Of ‘Takings’ in Eminent Domain Cases

By Peterson Law Group on June 15, 2024

An excavator tearing down a house.

Taking is the legal process used by the government to take away private property under the legal doctrine of eminent domain. There are three main types of takings: physical, regulatory, and pro tanto.

Posted in: Eminent Domain

Government Tort vs. Private Tort Claims: Key Differences

By Peterson Law Group on May 30, 2024

A judges gavel on a desk.

If you were injured due to the negligent actions of a state agency, municipality, law enforcement agency, educational institution, or any type of state or local government entity, there are strict filing deadlines and statutory rules that make the process much different than suing a private party. This is because California law provides immunity and other protections that make the process more difficult when the negligent party is a government entity.

Car Accidents Caused by Poorly Maintained LA Streets

By Peterson Law Group on May 15, 2024

A damaged asphalt street with lots of potholes.

Government liability laws can be daunting, especially for accident victims dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in Los Angeles that was caused by poorly maintained roads. California law provides certain types of immunity for government officials in these cases, but a skilled government liability attorney can identify legal strategies to help overcome these issues.

How Inverse Condemnation Claims Arise from Damaged Property

By Peterson Law Group on April 30, 2024

City workers in orange safety gear dealing with something below a manhole.

As a property owner, you have the right to bring an inverse condemnation action when your property has been effectively taken or damaged due to government action or the government’s failure to act. This includes physical appropriation and regulatory actions that lead to a loss in your property’s value.

The ‘Public Use’ Requirement in Eminent Domain Cases

By Peterson Law Group on April 15, 2024

Sign that says

Eminent domain allows the government to take private land to build roads, schools, or other infrastructure projects that serve the greater good of the public. In California, it is not acceptable for the government to take away your private property to benefit a private entity.

Posted in: Eminent Domain

Jurisdictional Challenges in California Civil Litigation

By Peterson Law Group on March 30, 2024

A statue of Justice holding a scale.

Jurisdiction in civil litigation is a significant preliminary issue because it dictates a court’s authority to handle a case. Without proper jurisdiction, a court cannot issue a valid judgment, potentially leading to legal confusion and unfair outcomes. Jurisdiction ensures cases are heard in suitable venues based on location, subject matter, and other factors.

Posted in: Civil Litigation

Subsidence and Insurance Claims: Navigating Coverage

By Peterson Law Group on March 15, 2024

Damaged cement tiles exposing a crumbling brick foundation.

Subsidence damage involves the damaging impact that results from the gradual sinking or settling of the ground beneath a structure, leading to structural damage such as cracks in walls, floors, or foundations.

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