Malpractice cases can be expensive (the need for medical expert testimony), are not certain (i.e. it's not guaranteed to win), and can take a long time to be paid even when they are successful, so a $1,200+ case is, as you've found out, not worth most attorney's time.Legally, you can negotiate with the medical care providers yourself--you could even file a case yourself ("pro se"). For the amount of money at stake, this may be the best option; you may wish to imply that while you prefer to handle this yourself and resolve the matter amicably, you feel very strongly about how you were treated and will hire an attorney if necessary, to seek vindication. You want them to take you seriously  and decide that providing some compensation is a small price to pay to avoid a potential lawsuit with someone with wants justice or satisfaction, regardless of cost.