Opinion ID: 2759187
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Entitlement to Reasonable Attorneys' Fees

Text: Under the 'American Rule,' the parties to a lawsuit generally bear the responsibility of paying their own attorneys' fees. Layman, 376 S.C. at 451-52, 658 S.E.2d at 329 (citing Pennsylvania v. Del. Valley Citizens' Council for Clean Air, 478 U.S. 546, 561 (1986)). This Court and others recognize numerous exceptions to this rule, including the award of attorneys' fees pursuant to a statute. Id. (citing Jackson, 326 S.C. at 307, 486 S.E.2d at 759). At common law, neither party to an eminent domain proceeding can recover costs and attorney's fees; costs and attorney's fees in such proceedings are generally deemed to be matters for statutory regulation. 2 Robert L. Rossi, Attorneys' Fees § 11:35 (3d ed. 2001). Accordingly, because the [a]llowance of attorney's fees is a matter of policy to be determined by the legislature, . . . the legislature may enact reasonable provisions to govern an award of attorney's fees in condemnation actions. 29A C.J.S. Eminent Domain § 551 (Supp. 2014); see 11A Eugene McQuillin, The Law of Municipal Corporations § 32:116 (3d ed. 2000 & Supp. 2014) (Although noting that it would perhaps be fair or efficient to compensate a landowner for all the costs incurred as a result of a condemnation action, the United States Supreme Court has nevertheless declared that such compensation is a matter of legislative grace rather than constitutional command.). A statutory award of attorneys' fees is typically authorized under what is known as a fee-shifting statute, which permits a prevailing party to recover attorneys' fees from the losing party. Layman, 376 S.C. at 452, 658 S.E.2d at 329 (citing Blum v. Stenson, 465 U.S. 886, 893 (1984)).