WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- A watchdog group in Baton Rouge claims your tax money is being wasted on civil lawsuits filed against municipalities across the state.

In Baton Rouge, tax payers shelled out ten million dollars between 2006-2009 in settlements, lawsuits and attorney fees.

One of those cases involved a woman who sued the city-parish after she tripped on a sidewalk on Chimes Street and Lake Street.

"We think $300,000 for tripping on a sidewalk is an extraordinary cost to taxpayers," Melissa Landry, Executive Director of the Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch said.

The organization conducted a study and released the results in hopes of getting taxpayers' attention and the attention of policy makers. According to Landry, the amount of money paid on civil lawsuits could have been put to better use, like hiring 80 additional police officers in Baton Rouge.

However, Mayor President Kip Holden believes the study might be flawed.

"There is a checks and balance system before a settlement is awarded," Holden said.

Holden also said that In addition to that, any money must be approved by the Metro Council.

Although the organization agrees not all lawsuits are frivolous, the organization is pushing for more oversight.

"Certainly not all lawsuits are merit-less," Landry said. "We think it's fair to argue that a good portion of money could have been spent on other things in East Baton Rouge Parish."

To read the full report click here.