call that punk and ask for $7000. -- if you don't like lawyer and going to court, ask for $5000 or less.
otherwise
talk to a lawyer first and inquire ur chance to win the case. attorney fee is a problem, but a lot of laywers will do the contingency. hope ur financial condition is not dire.
go to see a psychiatrist if the lawyer request u to do so and you can get more $ --- if that punk has his own house, just sue him! don't worry, he has sth to be forfeited in case he refuse to pay.
go to court and obtain a judgment.
let the enforcement to Sheriff if that guy doesn't pay you.