Louisiana Revised Statutes 19:139.6 – Defendant’s answer; requirements; delay for filing
Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes 19:139.6
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- property: means any portion of immovable property, including servitudes, rights-of-way, and other rights in or to immovable property; the term "governing authority" means the city of Lafayette and parish of Lafayette; and the term "project" means the Kaliste Saloom Road Widening Project or the construction, repair, or enhancement of drainage, roads, or bridges. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 19:139
- Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
When property is expropriated pursuant to this Part, any defendant may apply for a trial to determine the measure of compensation to which he is entitled, if:
(1) He files an answer within one year from the date he is notified in writing by the governing authority that it has finally accepted the construction project for which the property was expropriated. However, he may file his answer prior to the date he is notified by the governing authority.
(2) His answer sets forth the amount he claims, including the value of each parcel expropriated and the amount he claims as damages to the remainder of his property.
(3) His damage claim is reasonably itemized.
(4) His answer has a certificate thereon showing that a copy thereof has been served personally or by mail on all parties to the suit who have not joined in the answer.
Acts 2009, No. 19, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.