Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Abandoned Railroad Equipment

Can I make a claim on some railroad equipment that I know has been sitting abandoned for over 12 years? What procedures do I need to take to place a claim? The equipment is in the state of Virginia. Thank you.


Asked on 6/29/02, 8:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Abandoned Railroad Equipment

Find out, if possible, who was the last known owner of the equipment, and contact them to see whether they will allow you to take possession of it. (The county or city tax office where the equipment is located may be of assistance in this regard.) Whoever owns the land on which the equipment now sits, may very well own the equipment.

If none of the above can be sufficently determined

or the property is found to be sitting in an abandoned state on government owned land,

contact the bureacrat in charge to see whether they will permit you to remove and dispose of the property.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the equipment on your own without the

appropriate approval or permission, as you could

be charged with some form of larceny, and who knows what else.

Read more
Answered on 7/05/02, 12:05 pm


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