My apartment signed my roommates out without my consent and sent the deposit to the wrong person

Hello,
I'd appreciate any help regarding this. It's a little bit of a long
story. I'll try to make it as short as I can.

In April 2005, I had to move out to my old apartment and relocate. I
had one month left on the lease with my roommate (let me call him P).
To avoid wasting the last month's rent, I found someone (let me call
him A) to take over for the last month and pay (maybe my biggest
mistake). Mind you, the apartment still had my part of the deposit
money + a credit of around $500 (which I won't get into). The
apartment rep had told me that the money has to be either paid by A or
paid by the apartment to me once they sign out. So as not to get
screwed, I left my name on the lease as the rep suggested. So on
paper, I was still a roommate but physically I was not.

One year passed of me trying to hunt down A to no avail. I still
thought it would be resolved when they move out anyways, and I would
get my money back, so I didn't hurry or panic. To make it a bit
messier, the 2 defaulted on paying for one of the months (claiming
they thought 2nd month was free), and my credit of $500 was used up.

The time came when they had to move out in May 2006. Here's where it
became really messy. By then I was in touch with the apartment reps,
reminding them that most of the money they held and more belonged to
me, and that I need to resolve this matter before everyone signs off
the lease.  They said "sure, we have to have you approve" . Despite
that, they signed the 2 off without notifying me, or getting a
signature. I asked about the deposit check. It was send to P, and they
claimed that the check showed to be deposited. I called P and he
claimed that he attempted to cash the check, but it was sent back to
him because 2 of the signatures were missing. I didn't know who to
believe. Another 2 years passed with me trying to chase A and P, to
face more excuses.

I'd like to know, first, if I have a good case. It seems to me that I
do. Is it too late? I live in Michigan. Wouldn't it be better to sue
the apartments rather than A and P? Can I sue without a lawyer, and
would it be a good idea? The apartment has a case of gettting sued by
a lot of tenants, being as disorganized as they are, so does that
record work against them? If I hire a lawyer, are my lawyer fees
usually reimbursed? Is there a way to notify the apartments of a
coming lawsuit in pursuit of a settlement?  I'd appreciate your help.
Hope you were not very confused. Thank you.