It would depend on what my "bad behavior" was and whether or not I was willing for it to be discussed in court. If I was embarrassed about the situation and the 20k wasn't going to cause me serious hardship then I might push to settle the matter and pay the 20k. If I wasn't all that embarrassed or the 20k was going to cause me serious hardship then I might push the matter. I would also want my attorney to give me an idea on my odds of prevailing as well and what he would charge me to fight the matter as well. I am pragmatic. If it's going to cost me 10k to fight the matter in court plus be really embarrassing with low odds of winning I am probably going to go ahead and pay the 20k.
LdiJ - I want to thank you for your persistence in carrying on the discussion with me.
You have given me excellent insight, opinion and suggestions.
You've hit on all the points that I was hoping to receive.
I'm going to seek a lawyer to discuss much of what you and I have talked about.
Again, thank you.
