Peter_V
http://astore.amazon.com/gigalawcom/detail/0812991982
In 2002, it was a great book, but it has not been updated. Probably still relevant. That link connects to gigalaw's recommended reading for many other books as well.
Definitely recommend educating yourself, but forget about the lawyers. Lawyers always think you have a good case, because that means dollars in their pocket. Ask them if they will do it on contingency and you will hear the truth (they typically get 1/3 of the award). If most firms (IN YOUR SPACE) won't take the case on contingency, you don't have much of a case. If you find one firm that will, but you found him in the phonebook, run, don't walk.
You are looking at 3-5 year endeavor to sue, so 9 months in the grand scheme of things is nothing. I would Provisional Patent immediately, and look for a different way to apply your technology to another problem and keep it quiet until license is signed and you have launched.
You are young, go to college (take all the student loans you need to stay on campus) and get a solid degree that you can do something with when you graduate, Computers, engineering, etc. Join a fraternity, make some of the best friends you will ever have in your life, drink some beer and enjoy life for a few years.
We all make mistakes, it's how we rebound from them that defines us.
Best of luck. You can do it!
Peter