Barring a pre-lawsuit settlement, a lawsuit would likely be drawn out by various delay tactics, taking several years once appeals are factored in. In other words, your chance of success is in large part contingent on having the time and financial resources to see the lawsuit through to the end.

Update: Note that one risk in filing a lawsuit aimed at a pre-trial settlement is that if that falls through and you try to withdraw the lawsuit, it may be dismissed with prejudice, meaning you will not be able to file it again.

Another option might be small claims court, but I do not think they handle these types of cases.

Disclaimer IANAL, and your mileage may vary.

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