Tenants refusing to pay for damages found during move out inspection.

[Travis Schmidt]

My previous tenants piled up a significant work list of repairs following out move out inspection.  The cost of the repairs the tenants are responsible for is an additional $4,526 after taking thier full security deposit ($2,775).  They have accepted the fact that they will lose their security deposit but are only willing to pay an additional $1,000 towards the remaining $4,526 owed.  

My Property Manager mentioned sending this to a collections agency but said there was no gaurentee that we would ever get the money owed.  

Should I be contacting an attorney?  I understand this will be expensive but $4,526 is also a lot to lose as well.