Also not a lawyer but my understanding is that the damages you can collect even if you win a judgment are only a fraction of the damages a layperson would ident

Also not a lawyer but my understanding is that the damages you can collect even if you win a judgment are only a fraction of the damages a layperson would identify, e.g., you generally wouldn't get anything for quitting your previous job or ending your lease (though you might get closing costs if you sell a house).