On Tuesday morning, the Nebraska Supreme Court took up a case involving legal fees stemming from a battle between landowners and oil company TransCanada in 2015.
Landowner attorney Dave Domina said each of his clients is owned $8,841 times 40 cases equals more than $350,000.
"TransCanada doesn't want the landowners to have money for ammunition," said Domina, "We decided what we thought was a reasonable amount we took that up with our landowners and they agreed."
However TransCanada attorney Jim Powers argues the fee agreement was never offered, "There may be 46 cases or may be 100 more where attorney fees has been rewarded but not under this statute as far as affidavit evidence."
Powers claims this so-called contract lack specifics, "What is the fee agreement-what did you agree at the get-go, if it changed then discuss it, what evidence did you have."
For the dozens of landowners listening to this case, they said the money will help out.
"We aren't rich people, none of us are rich and we all have other obligations to try and make a living. And those of us farming and ranching-it's kind of difficult right now," said landowner Art Tanderup.
Others view the potential compensation as being accountable, "It's a moral argument, I have my grandson here this is about keeping the world in-tact for what's coming," said landowner Jeanne Crumly.
The Supreme Court will likely take months before making a final decision in this case.
