There are fifteen statutory courts and one Auxiliary Jail court in the Bexar County system. Two of the County Courts-at-Law handle civil cases, on a full time basis, in which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $200,000.
In Texas, the small claims limit is set at $20,000, which is the maximum amount you can sue for.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.