Using Visual Storytelling to Explain Non-Economic Damages
Damages House is a visual and storytelling approach to teaching non-economic damages, developed by Christy Crowe Childers, Esq. It helps jurors, judges, and clients better understand the abstract idea of pain and suffering by using the simple, universal image of a house. Based on the nine categories of non-economic damages in the Georgia pattern jury instructions, the framework can be adapted for similar instructions in other jurisdictions.
In injury trials, non-economic damages—such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or the impact of an injury on a client’s ability to work—can often seem intangible or difficult to quantify. A house typically represents hope, identity, comfort, and security—universal associations that help jurors understand non-economic damages not as vague concepts, but as real, personal losses that deeply affect a client’s life.
A Room for Every Loss
Each of the nine categories of damages is mapped to a specific “room” within the house. For example, interference with normal living might be represented by the living room, while loss of capacity to labor and earn money could correspond to the office. These visual metaphors help jurors picture and evaluate each type of loss separately, rather than lumping everything under the broad label of “pain and suffering.”
Damages House is a powerful tool for connecting abstract legal terms to tangible, emotional concepts. It reflects people’s values across all backgrounds—hope, safety, identity, comfort, and stability. Jurors are encouraged to think of their role as similar to appraising a house after a fire: assessing the value of each room based on testimony, medical records, and other evidence. Every room matters—some may hold more value than others, but none should be ignored.
Helping Clients Tell Their Story
Damages House also helps clients articulate their experiences. By identifying specific losses or stories tied to each “room,” clients often provide clearer, more impactful testimony. The framework brings forward the human side of the case and gives jurors a relatable, structured way to fairly assess the value of life’s intangible losses.
By turning complex legal language into a visual and emotionally resonant structure, Damages House enhances jurors’ ability to truly comprehend the extent of a client’s suffering.
For more insights into the Damages House concept, you can explore the following resources:
- Non-Economic Damages Made Easy with Christy Crowe Childers – Podcast Episode
- How to Build Your 8-Figure Damages House – TLU Live Session
- Damages House Article in Digital Publication
These resources provide in-depth discussions and examples of how the Damages House framework can be applied in legal settings to effectively communicate non-economic damages.
Childers & McCain, LLC is a full-service personal injury law firm. If you have been injured in an accident, call 478-254-2007 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we proudly serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
