Neighbors dog bit me and I am curious about filing a small claims case.

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 proof of his dog being vaccinated (his 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. I tried to work this out with my neighbor but he did not respond and he was pretty hostile during the serious bodily injury hearing. My medical bills came to almost $4000. I had to get five staples on my leg and I have a nasty scar and what appears to be some nerve damage. I don’t have any issues with walking or anything though. During the hearing I was forced to have my dog investigated too since she was in the fight, and they required me to have her impounded for three days. His dog was supposed to be impounded as well but he did not comply. It was traumatic having to do that on my end. I also had to miss work events for the first hearing and the appeal hearing he filed for. I have experienced panic attacks with being rushed by dogs after this event, and I feel terrified taking my dog to places where dogs are around. What would be considered reasonable for damages and how do I go about determining that in this 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!