Jeremy Hopkins recently secured a jury verdict for the owner of a car dealership in an eminent domain case against the NCDOT.
A jury awarded $2.4 million in an eminent domain case in which the NCDOT took a 26’ easement. The property, which was improved with a car dealership, lost a critical frontage feature after the easement was imposed. Although the state did not acquire any land in fee, the easement significantly altered the property’s functionality and highest and best use.
The Department of Transportation initially offered $124,000, later increasing its position to $152,000 at trial. Expert testimony demonstrated that the taking caused substantial economic harm, with valuations exceeding $2 million. After a week‑long trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning a verdict of $2.4 million. With interest, the total recovery will approach $2.8 million.
The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer's or law firm's past results.
