Definition in English: A quasi-delict arises when a person, through fault or negligence, causes damage to another and there is no pre-existing contractual relationship governing that wrongful act. It is an independent source of civil obligation commonly associated with negligence claims.
Paliwanag sa Filipino: Pananagutang sibil dahil sa kapabayaan na walang naunang kontrata — Pinsalang dulot ng kasalanan o kapabayaan kung walang pre-existing contractual relationship na namamahala sa maling gawa.
Legal basis
Civil Code Articles 2176 to 2194. These include Article 2183 on owner liability for animals. The rule must be read together with applicable amendments and controlling Supreme Court decisions.
What this term means
- The basic inquiry includes an act or omission, fault or negligence, damage, and a causal connection.
- Liability may extend in specified circumstances to persons responsible for others, such as employers or parents, subject to statutory defenses.
- Quasi-delict may coexist with other sources of civil liability when the law permits, but double recovery for the same injury is not allowed.
Example
A careless driver injures a pedestrian with whom the driver had no contract. The resulting negligence claim may be based on quasi-delict.
Related civil law terms
Proximate Cause · Fortuitous Event · Solidary Obligation
What to read next
How to claim damages for negligence · Browse liability content · Return to the Civil Law Glossary
Important note
This glossary entry is an educational explanation of Philippine civil law. The English definition states the primary legal concept. The Filipino explanation is provided to make the concept easier to understand and is not an official translation of the Civil Code, Rules of Court or Supreme Court decisions. Consult the controlling legal text and qualified counsel for a specific dispute.
Jurisdiction: Philippines
Last reviewed: September 2026