Camera Stolen on Job - Employer Refuses to Pay

[RHCP86]

I am a freelance event videographer, and my camera was stolen from a coat check room while working a job. The company that hired me told me that they had filed a claim with their insurance company, that the claim had been rejected, and are now refusing to pay (let alone talk).

Has anyone here ever been in a similar situation or have any advice on what to do? I've never had to deal with anything like this but my inclination is to take them to small claims court.

Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated!