Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/17/2015 -- On February 2, 2015, the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly magazine published their annual list of the top 25 verdicts and settlements throughout the state. Each year, the magazine tallies the court cases that were settled with the largest dollar amounts from the previous year. Just two eminent domain law matters made it to this year's list, and both of them were successfully litigated by Cranfill Sumner and Hartzog, a well respected firm with a solid reputation for eminent domain matters.

One case litigated by Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog reached the twentieth position on the list of the top 25. In the City of Charlotte v. Roseclay LLC, eminent domain law practitioners Stephanie Autry and George Autry obtained a $2.25 million settlement for their client on July 28. Roseclay LLC owned a retail building that the city needed to condemn for its Blue Line Extension light rail project. Initially, Roseclay was offered $1.56 million, but they didn't feel that the city's appraisal of the property's value was accurate. They knew they needed reliable legal advice, so they turned to eminent domain lawyers Stephanie Autry and George Autry.

When it comes to eminent domain, North Carolina residents are fortunate to have experienced practitioners like those at this Raleigh firm. Stephanie and George obtained a new, more accurate appraisal of the land and structure, obtaining just compensation for Roseclay LLC.

The other eminent domain case on the list came in at number seven. This case also involved the City of Charlotte, and once again Stephanie Autry and George Autry came to the defense of North Carolina property owners. The Blue Line Extension light rail project needed the land where a storage facility was currently located. The plot of land held 650 storage units. After obtaining an appraisal, city officials offered the owners four million dollars. PS NC I, LP, which is a subsidiary of Public Storage, wasn't convinced that the appraisal was accurate. They sought legal advice from an experienced eminent domain law firm in Raleigh.

The partners of PS NC I were right to take the matter to experienced eminent domain attorneys. Stephanie Autry and George Autry learned that the city's appraisal was out of date. With improvements in the economy since the time of the appraisal, the property was worth substantially more. In fact, a Public Storage appraiser calculated a value of $6.3 million. The matter was settled on June 14 for $5.74 million, well above the initial four million dollar offer.

When it comes to matters of eminent domain in North Carolina, it's sensible to consult attorneys like the practitioners at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog. Their depth of experience with condemnation matters makes them a solid choice for property owners.

About CSH Eminent Domain
North Carolina Eminent Domain Attorneys at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog have over 40 years combined experience defending the property rights of business owners, home owners and landowners facing eminent domain. There is no other Eminent Domain Law Firm in North Carolina with more experience or with a stronger track record of success in land condemnation trials and settlements.