I have a Civil claim for shop lifting i am innocent what do i do?

I was apprehended for shoplifting a jacket at lord and taylor that i did not steal. It was my jacket i had in my bag that lord and taylor sells. This is what happen i had the jacket in my bag since i walked in, i wanted to try on another jacket same one but a different color i went to the fitting room tried it on left it in the fitting room left the fitting room walked out side and was arrested and said i stole the MY jacket that was in my bag. There was no camera proof of me stealing a jacket or anything all suspicion. Now im forced to pay $500 dollars to lord and taylor. I called the law office that represents them and they said i cant do anything only thing is to go to court but then i have to pay for a lawyer and court fees that would probably cost more then the fee. The question is will they even persue the case if i decline to pay it if they have no proof to show in court or they do not need proof because its a civil claim.