Gorelick v. Harrison County

BLEIL, Justice.

Albert Gorelick and his wife appeal a summary judgment barring his suit on the basis of res judicata. We affirm.

The Texas Highway Department widened U.S. Highway 59 in 1972, purchasing a channel easement across what would later be Gorelick’s property from Gorelick’s predecessors in title. Gorelick bought the land in 1973, and discovered that the property floods following heavy rains.

In 1980, Gorelick brought suit in federal district court, alleging an unconstitutional taking of his property resulting in an inverse condemnation, and also that his civil rights were violated. The…