Dawson & Sodd, PLLC

03/31/2026

Receiving a condemnation notice for your home is an entirely different experience than a commercial taking. It’s not just "real estate"—it’s where you live, your privacy, and your family's future.

Whether it’s a TxDOT highway expansion, a new power line, or a pipeline easement, homeowners face unique challenges in the eminent domain process.

Many homeowners believe they have to accept the government’s first appraisal, but that offer often fails to account for the true "diminished value" of your remaining property.

Our latest guide for Texas homeowners covers:

✅ How a "partial taking" can impact your home’s total market value.
✅ Compensation for landscaping, fencing, and loss of access.
✅ Why the "highest and best use" of your land matters, even in residential areas.
✅ Your right to challenge a lowball offer and pursue just compensation.

At Dawson & Sodd, we have spent decades helping Texas families protect their most valuable asset. You don’t have to navigate this stressful process alone.

Read our guide for homeowners: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/eminent-domain/considerations-for-homeowners-landowners/

03/23/2026

Initial Offer: $44,955 | Final Compensation: $873,824

When a natural gas pipeline company sought an easement across a Denton County property, their initial offer fell far short of the true impact on the landowner’s property rights.

The easement didn't just take a strip of land; it diminished the entire property's value and placed permanent limits on how the owner could use their land in the future.

Dawson & Sodd fought to ensure the landowner was made whole. After a jury verdict in our client's favor, the Fort Worth Court of Appeals recently upheld the $873,824 award.

The Details:
Initial Offer: $44,955
Final Award Upheld: $873,824
Net Recovery (after fees/expenses): $609,193.36

This case serves as a critical reminder for Texas landowners: the first offer is rarely the final word. Our firm has an in-depth understanding of how these projects impact future property potential, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights.

Facing a pipeline easement or a condemnation notice? Don't navigate the process alone.

See more of our case results: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/case-results/

02/04/2026

𝗜𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆'𝘀 "𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝘀𝗲" 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱?

In eminent domain, it's not just what your land is used for, but what it could be used for, that determines its true value. This critical concept—"Highest and Best Use"—can significantly impact your compensation.

Many landowners receive initial offers that don't account for their property's full potential. Our latest article explains:

✅ What "Highest and Best Use" really means.
✅ How appraisers should evaluate this.
✅ Why it's essential for maximizing your eminent domain compensation.

Don't let condemning authorities undervalue your land. Understand your rights and ensure your property's full potential is recognized.

Read the full article: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/blog/highest-and-best-use-texas-eminent-domain/

Understand how 'Highest and Best Use' impacts property valuation and compensation in Texas eminent domain cases. Learn what it means for landowners.

01/13/2026

Received a Condemnation Offer for Your Texas Land? Read This IMMEDIATELY.

The initial offer from a condemning authority is rarely "just compensation." What you do (or don't do) in the very first steps can critically impact your property's value and your rights.

Our new guide, "You've Received a Condemnation Offer: Crucial First Steps & What NOT to Do," provides essential, practical advice for Texas landowners. Learn:

✅ The critical actions you must take.
❌ Common mistakes that can cost you.
🛡️ How to protect your interests from day one.

Don't navigate this complex process alone. Dawson & Sodd has decades of experience protecting Texas landowners. Get informed before it's too late.

Read the full article: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/blog/youve-received-a-condemnation-offer-what-not-to-do-first/

Received a condemnation offer in Texas? Learn what NOT to do to protect your rights. Expert advice on handling eminent domain offers from Dawson & Sodd.

12/24/2025

Wishing all our clients, colleagues, and friends a very Merry Christmas and a joyful Holiday Season!

During this special time of year, we reflect on the importance of family, community, and the cherished places we call home. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in Dawson & Sodd, PLLC, and for the opportunity to serve Texas landowners.

May your holidays be filled with peace, warmth, and happiness. We look forward to a bright new year ahead!

12/12/2025

What happens when you get a letter saying your property is in the path of a new highway or pipeline? 🤔

It’s a situation no Texas landowner wants to face, but it’s important to know your rights. This 60-second video explains the power of eminent domain and the critical constitutional protections every property owner is guaranteed, including the right to JUST and ADEQUATE compensation.

Knowledge is power. Watch and share with fellow Texas property owners.
The attorneys at Dawson & Sodd focus exclusively on protecting landowners in these exact situations. Learn how we can help:

https://www.dawsonsodd.com/eminent-domain/

11/27/2025

From all of us at Dawson & Sodd, PLLC, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving.

As we gather with family and friends, we reflect on the many blessings in our lives, including the cherished lands that make Texas home.

We are truly grateful for the trust our clients place in us to protect what is rightfully theirs. May your day be filled with warmth, good company, and abundant gratitude.

11/21/2025

In Tarrant County, we represented a business owner whose building was lost in a partial taking case filed by TXDOT. The State’s initial offer of $3.4 million didn’t reflect the true value, but we secured a $5.48 million settlement, ensuring justice for our client.

We’re honored to make a difference for landowners facing eminent domain challenges!

Learn more about our case results: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/case-results/

11/12/2025

We're honored to announce that Dawson & Sodd, PLLC has been named a Tier 1 firm in Dallas/Fort Worth for Commercial Litigation in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings! 🎉

Thank you to our clients and peers for your trust and support.

Learn more about what this means for you: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/blog/dawson-sodd-best-law-firms-2026/

11/11/2025

Honoring Our Veterans ❤️💙

This Veterans Day, Dawson & Sodd proudly salutes the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice inspire us every day.

From all of us at Dawson & Sodd, thank you for your service.

10/17/2025

Facing Eminent Domain from Oncor?

Oncor is preparing to file for its new 765 kV transmission line projects in late 2025 across 43 Texas counties. This means land acquisition and condemnation proceedings will be moving quickly for potentially thousands of landowners.

Don’t wait until you receive an offer to understand your rights. Decisions made early can have a lasting impact on the compensation you receive and the terms of the easement.

Our comprehensive guide breaks down the four main projects:
⚡ Dinosaur–Longshore
⚡ Longshore–Drill Hole
⚡ Big Hill–Sand Lake
⚡ Bell County East–Big Hill

Dawson & Sodd has decades of experience handling transmission line cases, helping Texas landowners protect their property rights and pursue just compensation. Get the information you need now to make informed decisions for your land and your future.

Read our full guide: https://www.dawsonsodd.com/current-eminent-domain-projects-texas/oncor-765kv-transmission-line-projects/

Oncor’s 765 kV transmission line projects may affect landowners across Texas. Learn how Dawson & Sodd helps protect your property and fight for fair compensation.