Are Local Governments Easy Targets for Lawsuits in Louisiana?

Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch released a new study today which found that eight municipalities in Louisiana spent more than $52 million on litigation costs, including verdicts, settlements and payments to outside counsel, from 2006-2009. 

This report sheds light on a growing problem that has gone largely unnoticed in Louisiana.  At a time of deep recession, when state and local governments are going through unprecedented budget hardships, our municipalities are spending tens of millions of dollars defending against lawsuits and paying settlements. 

These costs to government are an unproductive use of taxpayer dollars.  Our municipalities would be better off using our precious tax dollars on much-needed public services such as education, law enforcement, health care and road repairs.

LLAW’s research found that in Baton Rouge, where crime is a major problem, the $10.2 million spent on litigation from 2006-2009 could have been used to hire roughly 80 new police officers over the same four-year period.  In New Orleans, the $14.1 million could have paid the salaries of 72 more teachers, and in Lafayette, the $6.7 million could have been used to pay salary and benefits for 30 additional fire fighters.

To read the full report, go to www.LLAW.org