Every American adult shares a dubious characteristic - each is a walking litigation target. Part of your birthright is that you may be sued at any time, for any reason, and for any amount.

Civil actions range from the serious to the frivolous. Did you offend someone today with something you said? Did you cause someone to suffer sudden whiplash syndrome in the parking lot? Are you a professional facing a disgruntled client or patient? Do you own a company employing someone who did something irresponsible on company time?

Did you err on the side of caution... or throw caution to the wind?

Each choice you make might be construed as "actionable." That is, someone might spin a good case - or at least a good story - about how you crossed a line in some way, and why you should now pay dearly for your failing.

Sadly enough, the more money you have the more tempting a litigation target you are. And you are an even riper target if you value privacy in your affairs. The "discovery" phase of litigation will put an end to your uncivil habit of protecting personal information.