Neighbors dog but me and I want to file in small claims court .

Location: Texas

My neighbor’s dog bit me after his dog rushed out of his home and instigated a fight with my dog. I had to go to the ER and also get rabies vaccines since they could not provide up to date rabies vaccines and the dog was always getting out of the house. Because of my injury I had to go to a hearing for a serious bodily injury case, which ended up determining that his dog is legally a Dangerous Dog. I am looking into a small claims case because more than one personal injury lawyer told me my case is not something they’d be interested in taking due to the fact the neighbor does not have renter’s insurance and that my injury isn’t “serious” enough.

I have two questions:

1. My expenses came to almost $4000 and he refused to answer or pay me. Im pretty sure I have trauma related to the bite because I’m so scared to take my dog to certain parks where off leash dogs are often found, and I’ve had full blown panic attacks when dogs have rushed me after that. I had to get five staples and now have the nastiest scar with some nerve damage on my leg. How do I determine what would be considered reasonable damages to pursue if I went forward with a small claims case?

2. I have so much anxiety about representing myself. What kind of attorney can help represent me in this case/is there a type of law firm I should be looking at ? I’m aware small claims are designed to be so you don’t need an attorney.

Thank you in advance!