Small claims court often does not require a lawyer. But yeah, the general process of "document things and escalate using said documentation to people whose job it is to make sure expensive lawsuits and regulatory actions don't happen" is an excellent choice.

Oh, I know, I said that in my other comment: where I am, it requires little more than filling out the claim form and paying the fee (and giving them more info if requested). Its only if you want to appeal that you may need a lawyer, or if you want to sue in a normal court. I just meant that there’s a bunch of steps you can do, including small claims, before needing a lawyer.