Department of Transportation v. Jorissen

In this action, plaintiff sought acquisition of a parcel of land owned by defendants. A jury awarded defendants $78,000 as just compensation. Plaintiff appeals as of right from a circuit court order awarding defendants interest from the date the complaint was filed and an order granting defendants’ motion for attorney fees. We reverse each of these orders in part and remand for further proceedings.

On December 12, 1980, plaintiff filed a declaration of taking, stating that it was necessary to acquire defendants’ land for the purpose of relocating and opening a highway. Plaintiff estimated that…