going to small claims court soon

[Lee L.]

After the tenant moved out I discovered a large dent in the metal cover of the stand by generator, really more than a dent, it was crushed. So I kept the amount for a new lid out of her security. She was adamant that the damage had been done by icicles and got a lawyer so here we are. She never presented anything other than her word that it was icicles, nor did she notify me when the damage occurred. 

I don't believe her for reasons related  to the kind of person she is and due to the appearance of the dent I don't believe an icicle could do that kind of damage. But really this is her word against mine. If you were to guess, how do you think a judge would view this? 

I wasn't under the impression that I had to take a tenant at their word on this but her attorney seems super confident and is suing for double the security plus attorney fees, which has a burden of proof on them to prove "willfulness" in retaining the deposit. I can't possibly imagine how they could prevail on that, but I am quite frankly just flying by the seat of my pants at this point.

I have all my documentation proving the dent and the cost. Anyone have any thoughts? 

[John Underwood]

@Lee L. Maybe you could get a professional repair shop or generator dealer to give their expert opinion on whether it was icicle damage or not.

Get it in writing.