The thing for all parties to conSider is that the whole process of litigation
could well have a  (up to $10,000) cost regardless of the value of the claim
being advanced by the plaintiff.  The lawyer's meters run by the hour and
page of paper (right Kevin ?).  I've seen $1500 claims eat up $ 3,000 plus
legal fees before judgment occured.
Settlement would be best for all concerned.   My ??? for the
abstractor is (why did -do you pay E & O preimums for if you won't
use the coverage when needed, Would you not use health ins. coverage
if you were ill?  Life is to short,  call you agent today
and enjoy the balance of your life.  One thing to consider is most
company policys require notice of claim within a certain period of
time after loss is noticed, so don't screw up and loose you coverage
by being stuborn.