The evaluation of earthquake damage considering past events can be a useful tool to verify or calibrate damage and risk models, as well as to assess the possible consequences that future events may cause in a region. This study describes a process to estimate earthquake damage considering past events, and using the OpenQuake-engine, the open-source software for seismic hazard and risk analysis of the Global Earthquake Model Foundation. Exposure and fragility models from the recently completed South America Risk Assessment (SARA) project were combined with conditioned ground motion fields from past events to calculate structural damage in the affected region. These results can facilitate the creation of risk reduction measures, such as retrofitting campaigns, development of insurance mechanisms and enhancement of building codes. The challenges in assessing damage and losses from past events are thoroughly discussed, and several recommendations are proposed.