Whirlybird:
It is simply a fact of life, certainly in the U.S.
I have been involved with companies which have successfully defended against these suits but the costs are in the 100s of thousands of dollars. The appropriate behaivor is as stated, do nothing, say nothing, look at the ground. It is simply not worth the risk to engage in a meaningful conversation because you have no idea who is after what.
The civilized world has become somewhat pathetic, ridiculous and corrupt, acknowlege it, protect yourself and have a beer because it is not going to get any better.
Which reminds me of a great joke......
What do you call a busload of lawyers going off a cliff with an empty seat.
A crying shame...........