Settling move out charging against a tenant

[Michael Elliott]

I recently had my first tenant move out and had to spend $5000 on the house after them.  I sent them a claim against their security deposit for $3200 (Deposit was $1000) for the damages.  This was sent within 30 days of them moving out.  Of course they came back denying everything so we started to negotiate.  To close this out, I offered to cut in half to $1600.  They have finally came up to $1000.  From here we are going nowhere and he keeps asking what the next step is.  I would just like to send him a check for $400 ($2000 deposit - $1600 offer from me).  If I had to go to court, I am comfortable that I would win at least $1600 but obviously I'd rather settle and be done with it.  What would you out there suggest I do?

Thanks