Hi BP family,

This is my first time dealing with this issue and it was a good lesson to learn how important to buy house insurance. 

Issue:

Last October 2023, a pipe under the floor leaked from my upper condo unit to the downstairs unit causing damage to the neighbor's kitchen.

My condo was paid off, so little did I know, I didn't buy an insurance policy at that time (failed). So I don't have an insurance company to fight for. My neighbor's insurance company claimed $27,500 for my negligence. 

I paid a lawyer $6500 to negotiate with the neighbor's insurance company. After a year, my lawyer negotiated a settlement offer for $17,000 which is 40% lower than the original price. 

Should I keep negotiating it or this is a good deal?  

Thank you all in advance for sharing your opinions :)

Elsa