State ex rel. Department of Highways v. James

SAMUEL, Judge.

The State of Louisiana, Through the Department of Highways, filed this suit on February 14, 1964 to expropriate certain property (a total taking) for highway purposes. Plaintiff deposited $75,350 in the Registry of Court as the value of the property, which amount included $3,200 for the improvements thereon. Defendant answered, averring the true value of the property was $309,324.90.

Following trial judgment was rendered in favor of defendant in the sum of $119,-722 for the land and $3,200 for the improvements, subject to a credit for the amount already on deposit. After…