A.  The measure of compensation for the property expropriated is determined as of the time the estimated compensation was deposited into the registry of the court, without considering any change in value caused by the proposed improvement for which the property is taken.  

B.  The measure of damages, if any, to the defendant‘s remaining property is determined on a basis of immediately before and immediately after the taking, taking into consideration the effects of the completion of the project in the manner proposed or planned.  

C.  The owner shall be compensated to the full extent of his loss.  The court shall include in its consideration the difference between the rate of interest of any existing mortgage on an owner-occupied residence and the prevailing rate of interest required to secure a mortgage on another owner-occupied residence of equal value.  

D.  The defendant shall present his evidence of value first.  

E.  Reasonable attorney fees may be awarded by the court if the amount of the compensation deposited in the registry of the court is less than the amount of compensation awarded in the judgment.  Such attorney fees in no event shall exceed twenty-five percent of the difference between the award and the amount deposited in the registry of the court.  

Added by Acts 1954, No. 107, §1, eff. June 24, 1954; Amended by Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975; Acts 1976, No. 391, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 1976; Acts 1983, No. 33, §2; Acts 1988, No. 882, §1.