References: when reality bites back!

What do you do when a company you list on your resume as having worked for does not give references? Most companies anymore adopt this policy in fear of the “s” word (sue!). What comments do you have about this? Second of all, where does this leave the
potential employee? What options does this person have? Let me know. My name is Paul, and my e-mail address is: frodoxtc@earthlink.net. Thank you.