... like Kate has done, negotiate your best deal and move on. Chalk it up to a (expensive) learning experience.

There's no justice in America for claims under $10,000, maybe $25,000. The Yard knows you have two options and they probably don't care if you ever come back, unless you're the owner of Shockwave, therefore most are not willing to be reasonable, and remember they are thugs > (1) pursue in Small Claims, where the time & hassle will eat you up, and like Dan if you're not from the area, add on travel costs ... and Judge Judy will always compromise; or (2) hire an attorney and proceed with a legal action, but that means a hefty retainer to an attorney, well in excess of your claim, and then a Judge who will be pissed the action was filed in the first place and force you to settle, and if you get something out of the Yard, at that point, it will be far less than you paid the attorney. 99% of cases like this are settled before trial, meaning no award for fees & costs. Once you go to an attorney, you've already lost.

Sure, post a few things here & there, but it's really not worth the effort, or the aggravation. BBB and Angie's List will get the other side of the story before making a stand. I guess YELP would be another alternative, but even they are scared of libel suits. Just don't ever go back, and tell everyone you know not to go there either. But even that probably won't make any difference to the Yard. Unless they are honest & ethical folks but if that was the case, we wouldn't be talking about this ... they are thugs.

Cheers, John