CIVIL LAW > XI. QUASI-DELICTS > D. CLASSIFICATION OF TORTS

The classification of torts under quasi-delicts in Philippine civil law revolves around the nature of the act, the basis of liability, and the parties involved. This classification framework is essential for understanding how liability is established and the remedies provided under Article 2176 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. Below is a comprehensive discussion of the topic.

I. DEFINITION OF TORTS AND QUASI-DELICTS

A. Torts

A tort refers to a wrongful act or omission that causes harm or injury to another, giving rise to a claim for damages.
In the Philippine context, torts are governed primarily by Article 2176 of the Civil Code.

B. Quasi-Delicts

Under Article 2176, quasi-delicts are defined as acts or omissions causing damage to another, there being fault or negligence, and no pre-existing contractual relation between the parties.
Quasi-delicts are distinct from crimes (public wrongs punishable by the State) and breaches of contract (private wrongs arising from agreements).

II. CLASSIFICATION OF TORTS UNDER QUASI-DELICTS

Torts under quasi-delicts are classified into the following categories:

A. Based on the Nature of the Act

Intentional Torts
- Involve deliberate acts intended to harm another.
- Examples:
  - Defamation (slander or libel)
  - Assault and battery
  - False imprisonment
- Note: While intentional acts are generally considered crimes, civil liability may arise under tort law if the injured party seeks damages instead of criminal prosecution.
Negligent Torts
- Arise from failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have under the circumstances.
- Negligence is determined based on the following elements:
  1. Duty of care owed by the defendant.
  2. Breach of duty through action or omission.
  3. Causation linking the breach to the injury.
  4. Actual damages suffered by the plaintiff.
- Examples:
  - Car accidents
  - Medical malpractice
  - Workplace injuries due to employer negligence.
Strict Liability Torts
- Liability arises regardless of fault or negligence.
- The law imposes strict liability to encourage caution in inherently dangerous activities or situations.
- Examples:
  - Ownership of dangerous animals (Article 2183 of the Civil Code)
  - Damage caused by falling objects or defective structures (Article 2193).

B. Based on the Basis of Liability

Direct Liability
- The person who committed the tortious act is directly liable.
- Example: A driver who negligently causes an accident is personally liable for damages.
Vicarious Liability
- Liability is imposed on another person due to a special relationship with the wrongdoer.
- Covered under Article 2180 of the Civil Code, which includes:
  - Parents for acts of their minor children.
  - Employers for the negligence of their employees (in the course of employment).
  - Teachers or heads of establishments for students or apprentices under their supervision.
- Employers may be held liable unless they prove due diligence in the selection and supervision of employees.

C. Based on the Resulting Injury

Injuries to Persons
- Includes physical harm, psychological harm, or harm to reputation.
- Examples:
  - Personal injury cases
  - Emotional distress
  - Defamation
Injuries to Property
- Includes damage to or destruction of property, whether real or personal.
- Examples:
  - Damage caused by fire or floods due to another’s negligence.
  - Trespass to land or chattel.
Economic Injuries
- Injuries that result in purely financial losses without accompanying physical or property damage.
- Examples:
  - Loss of business opportunities due to wrongful acts.
  - Fraud causing monetary damage.

D. Based on the Parties Involved

Individual Torts
- Where the wrongful act is committed by one person against another.
- Example: A driver hitting a pedestrian.
Group Torts
- When a group of individuals or entities are involved, either as wrongdoers or as injured parties.
- Example: Class action lawsuits for product liability cases.

III. SPECIAL DOCTRINES UNDER TORT LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES

Several doctrines help further classify or explain torts and quasi-delicts:

Res Ipsa Loquitur
- "The thing speaks for itself."
- Applied in negligence cases where the mere occurrence of the accident implies negligence.
- Example: A surgical instrument left inside a patient’s body after surgery.
Proximate Cause
- Refers to the direct, immediate, and foreseeable cause of the injury or damage.
- The defendant is liable only if their act or omission is the proximate cause of harm.
Contributory Negligence
- If the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to the harm, damages may be reduced proportionally.
- Covered under Article 2179 of the Civil Code.
Last Clear Chance
- Applied in situations where both parties are negligent.
- The party who had the last opportunity to avoid the harm but failed to do so is held liable.

IV. STATUTORY PROVISIONS ON TORTS IN THE CIVIL CODE

Article 2176:
- Establishes the general basis for liability in quasi-delicts.
Article 2179:
- Provides for the mitigation of liability in cases of contributory negligence.
Article 2180:
- Covers vicarious liability and provides exceptions for proof of diligence.
Articles 2183 to 2194:
- Specific instances of liability for damage caused by things or persons under the care of the defendant.

V. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER BRANCHES OF LAW

Criminal Law
- Quasi-delicts differ from crimes as the former do not involve public prosecution or penalties.
Contract Law
- Quasi-delicts are distinguished from breaches of contract as there is no pre-existing agreement between the parties.
Environmental Law
- Cases involving strict liability for pollution or other ecological harm often overlap with tort principles.

VI. REMEDIES FOR TORTIOUS ACTS

Compensatory Damages
- Designed to make the injured party whole by compensating for actual losses.
Moral Damages
- Awarded for pain, suffering, mental anguish, or emotional distress.
Exemplary Damages
- Imposed as a deterrent or punishment in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Nominal Damages
- Awarded to vindicate a right even if no substantial harm occurred.

CONCLUSION

The classification of torts under quasi-delicts provides a structured approach to determining liability and remedies under Philippine civil law. The distinctions based on the nature of the act, the resulting harm, and the relationships between the parties are essential for a meticulous application of the law in addressing wrongful acts. Mastery of these classifications ensures clarity in legal practice and enhances the administration of justice.