Lost CGC/JSA Order

[esd70433]

Hi all, I am dealing with my first lost grading order and would appreciate any tips or commentary to maximize my dollar recovery from CGC.

I submitted a 3-card order to CGC/JSA of these three autographed cards: 1964 Topps Roger Maris, 1961 Fleer Warren Giles and 1966 Topps Mickey Mantle.

The Maris and Giles came back as inauthentic, but I have good reason to believe both are authentic based on the seller's experience. The Mantle graded a 5 with 7 auto grade. Actual picture below (and marked as stolen on CGC's website):



I submitted each with a declared value of $700 each (I can't recall why I did this). The market value of the cards are: $750 for Maris, ~$100 for Giles and $3,500-$7,000 for Mantle.

FedEx rerouted the package to an unknown address in Pennsylvania without my or CGC's permission. No one knows who received the package in Pennsylvania.

CGC has sent me a settlement offer of $500 without even compensation for the CGC grading fees. I am in shock by the offer and for CGC stringing me along for weeks to send such a paltry offer. I have countered at $4,500 and am waiting for their response.

What would you do in this situation? Do I take CGC to small claims court in my state of Louisiana? Do I take FedEx to small claims court?