Book excerpt: Have you been confused by a lawsuit? We can help. Millions of civil lawsuits are filed in the U.S. court system, costing billions of dollars in legal fees to those involved. The process is so complex that few people can pursue civil action without professional help, leaving them totally at a lawyer's mercy. Yet how many people truly know what they're getting into when they're involved in a lawsuit? The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Lawsuits clarifies the entire process in layman's terms. Expert litigator and law professor Victoria E. Green offers valuable insight into: • The pros and cons of filing lawsuits • How they begin and each party's response • Selecting and paying attorneys • Consequences of the settlement and appeals