The government’s acquisition agent said it will file a condemnation lawsuit against me if do not agree to sell my property for the project. What happens if I do not agree to settle and sell my property?

We encourage landowners to “hold out, hire us” for a reason.  By forcing condemnation, you are exercising your constitutional and statutory rights to obtain just compensation through the court process.  It is often the only way you will receive the full value for your property if the government refuses to voluntarily pay that amount prior to litigation.  The good news about condemnation is that the government must pay the initial offer into court when it files the lawsuit.  That money can then be obtained by your attorney and go to you to benefit you.  The fact that you obtain those initial funds cannot be held against you in court as your attorney fights for more on your behalf.  Do not be afraid of a lawsuit—it’s often the only way to force the government to pay you fair market value.  Typically, when the NCDOT and City of Charlotte are the condemning authorities, they pay more through the condemnation lawsuit than they would prior to the lawsuit.