I wish this weren't the case, but it is.
In terms of money, most lawyers will at least give you a preliminary meeting for free to hear where you stand, and some will be able to take your work on contingency (I have no idea if that's reasonable in this type of case, though). So at least getting a first impression of your chances shouldn't cost you anything but time.
Is that to say they're the first go-to? Of course not. But the moment you get the feeling like you're getting bent over a barrel, you get a lawyer. You don't wait, you contact them and at the very least get a clear idea of the direction you should probably move in.
Recommendations are optimal. Also try to get at least one who is agressive in the mix. If they all corroborate one another, then that in itself is a statement.
The difference in suggested recourse and the outcome itself can be night and day depending on your counsel.
I would suggest that you reconsider meeting in person - this is a good interim step that will help you to understand exactly what the situation is. Of course, it's sensible to insist that any agreement is made in writing.