If it went to (small claims) court and he won, your outlay most
probably would not be limited to the amount the court considered
appropriate for replacement of the damaged article and any
consequential losses. The court would probably consider adding the
costs of bringing the action, attending the court, etc. Add to that
your own defence costs, including the value of the time wasted, and
possibly the adverse publicity springing from a decision against you
being reported, and the aggregate is the sum to be compared with
whatever it might cost to settle 'amicably', without conceding
liability.

Highly improbable! De minimis comes to mind.