Physical injuries serious enough to require hospitalization can trigger (1) criminal liability, (2) civil liability, or both at the same time. In Philippine practice, the same incident often produces two tracks:

Criminal case (State vs. offender): focuses on punishment (imprisonment/fine) and can include civil liability arising from the crime.
Civil case (injured person vs. responsible party): focuses on payment of damages (medical bills, lost income, moral damages, etc.), and can exist even if no crime is proven (e.g., negligence).

This article explains how Philippine law classifies injuries, what cases may be filed, how they are proved, what damages are recoverable, and the procedural paths from hospital admission to court judgment.

1) Big picture: Hospitalization is evidence, not always the legal “category”

“Na-hospital” is not a standalone legal label. Hospitalization is usually proof of severity, but the law classifies injuries using concepts like:

Extent of injury (loss of function, deformity, loss of organ, etc.)
Period of incapacity for labor (days you cannot work)
Period of medical attendance (days needing medical care)
Presence or absence of intent to kill
Whether injuries were caused intentionally or by negligence

A one-night hospital stay can still be “slight” under the Penal Code if incapacity is short; while a non-hospitalized wound can be “serious” if it causes permanent disability.

2) Criminal cases: What charges are commonly filed

A. “Physical Injuries” under the Revised Penal Code (RPC)

If there is no intent to kill, the typical charge is under the RPC provisions on physical injuries, generally grouped as:

1) Serious Physical Injuries (RPC)

Usually applies when injuries result in any of the following (common examples):

Permanent consequences (e.g., loss of sight, loss of a limb, loss of use of an organ)
Deformity (permanent disfigurement, especially visible/lasting)
Loss of ability to work for a long period (often based on medical findings)
Serious and lasting impairment (e.g., blindness, insanity, impotence—depending on proof)

Key proof: medical certificate/medico-legal report stating diagnosis, prognosis, and whether effects are permanent.

2) Less Serious Physical Injuries (RPC)

Generally covers injuries that:

Require medical attendance or cause incapacity for labor for a significant but not extreme period (commonly discussed in day ranges in medico-legal certificates).

Key proof: medico-legal classification and stated period of medical attendance/incapacity.

3) Slight Physical Injuries (RPC)

Covers injuries that:

Cause short incapacity/medical attendance, or
Involve ill-treatment without incapacity (e.g., physical harm without medically significant downtime).

Important: Hospitalization does not automatically rule out “slight” if the actual incapacity/attendance period is short and there are no permanent effects.

B. Homicide/Murder (Attempted/Frustrated) vs. Physical Injuries (Intent matters)

If prosecutors believe there was intent to kill, the charge often becomes:

Attempted homicide/murder (intent to kill + overt acts, but no fatal injury)
Frustrated homicide/murder (intent to kill + injuries that would normally cause death, but victim survives due to timely medical intervention)
Consummated homicide/murder (victim dies)

Hospitalization is especially relevant here because survival due to prompt hospital care is a classic fact pattern for frustrated offenses.

How intent to kill is inferred (typical factors):

Weapon used (knife/firearm vs. fist)
Targeted body part (head/neck/chest/abdomen often treated as vital)
Number and nature of wounds (deep stab wounds, gunshot, repeated blows)
Statements or threats before/during/after attack
Behavior after assault (pursuit, preventing aid, etc.)

If intent to kill is not proven, prosecutors frequently “downgrade” to physical injuries.

C. Reckless Imprudence / Criminal Negligence (RPC Article 365)

If injuries happened through negligence (not intent)—common in:

Road crashes
Workplace incidents
Negligent handling of firearms or dangerous objects
Accidental falls caused by unsafe premises

The charge is typically Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Physical Injuries (or “Simple Imprudence,” depending on circumstances).

Why this matters: Evidence focuses on duty of care, breach, causation, foreseeability, and standard safety practices, not on motive.

D. Special laws that often apply alongside (or instead of) the RPC

Depending on the relationship and context, physical injuries causing hospitalization may fall under special statutes, for example:

Violence Against Women and Their Children (RA 9262) If the offender is a spouse/partner (current or former), dating relationship, or someone the law covers, acts causing physical harm can be prosecuted under RA 9262 with protective orders.
Child abuse (RA 7610) Injuries to minors may be prosecuted under child protection laws, sometimes with heavier consequences.
Anti-Hazing (RA 11053) Injuries during initiation rites can trigger hazing-related charges.
Anti-Torture (RA 9745) If injuries were inflicted by certain actors in custody/interrogation contexts, different elements and penalties apply.

Practical note: Prosecutors select charges based on the best legal fit and available proof; multiple charges may be possible but must avoid improper “double charging” for the same act under legal principles.

3) Civil liability: The three main legal bases

Even when there is a criminal case, an injured person may also pursue compensation through civil law. In the Philippines, the common bases are:

A. Civil liability arising from the crime (Civil liability ex delicto)

When a criminal case is filed, civil liability for damages is generally included, unless the injured party properly reserves the right to file separately or the law/procedure requires otherwise.

This civil aspect can cover:

Medical expenses
Lost earnings
Moral damages (in proper cases)
Other compensable damages linked to the criminal act

B. Quasi-delict / Tort (Civil Code Art. 2176)

If the injury was due to negligence (or even if a crime is not proven), the injured person can sue for damages based on fault or negligence.

This is common in:

Vehicle accidents
Unsafe premises (slip/trip, falling objects)
Negligent security failures
Some forms of professional negligence

C. Contract-based liability

If there is a contract and the injury resulted from breach of contractual obligations (e.g., common carriers, service providers), civil liability may be anchored on contract.

Example: Common carriers (buses, taxis, airlines, shipping) often face contract-based liability where the standard of diligence is high, and the passenger’s injury is strongly actionable.

4) Damages you can recover in civil actions (and civil aspect of criminal cases)

Philippine courts commonly award:

A. Actual/Compensatory damages

Hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medicines, therapy
Transportation for treatment
Repair/replacement (damaged property)
Documented lost wages/income

Tip: Keep receipts, official statements of account, and proof of payment.

B. Loss of earning capacity

If injuries affect ability to work (temporary or permanent), courts may award:

Past lost income (proved by payslips, ITR, business records)
Future earning capacity loss (often requires medical proof of disability and income proof)

C. Moral damages

Awarded in proper cases for:

Physical suffering
Mental anguish, anxiety, trauma
Social humiliation (depending on circumstances)

Not automatic—requires factual basis.

D. Exemplary (punitive) damages

May be awarded when the act is done with:

Gross negligence, bad faith, or wanton behavior
To set an example/deterrence, typically alongside moral damages

E. Temperate damages

When actual loss is real but exact amount cannot be fully proved with receipts, courts may award a reasonable amount.

F. Attorney’s fees and litigation expenses

Possible in situations recognized by law and jurisprudence (not automatic).

G. Interest

Courts may impose legal interest depending on the nature of the award and timing of demand/judgment.

5) Who can be sued (civil) beyond the direct attacker/driver

A. Employers (vicarious liability)

Under Civil Code principles, employers may be liable for employees’ acts if requirements are met (often involving “scope of employment” and due diligence in supervision/selection).

B. Parents/guardians

For minors who cause harm, parents may have civil liability under certain conditions.

C. Owners/operators of vehicles

Depending on registration, control, and circumstances, the vehicle owner/operator may be liable.

D. Establishments / property owners

If injury was caused by unsafe premises, negligent security, or hazards, the property owner/operator may be liable.

6) Procedure: From hospitalization to filing a case

Step 1: Immediate documentation

Medical certificate / medico-legal report (key document)
Photos of injuries (timestamped if possible)
Hospital records (admission, discharge summary)
Police blotter report / incident report
Witness names and contact details
CCTV requests (time matters—systems overwrite)

Step 2: Police report and case build-up

Police may refer you to:

Medico-legal office (for classification and “days of medical attendance/incapacity”)
Investigator for affidavit taking

Step 3: Filing the complaint (criminal)

Most criminal complaints start at the:

Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor (complaint-affidavit, respondent’s counter-affidavit, reply/rejoinder, then resolution)

If arrest is made immediately and conditions apply, it may go through:

Inquest proceedings (for arrested suspects) instead of regular preliminary investigation

Step 4: Court filing and trial

If probable cause is found, the prosecutor files an Information in court. The case proceeds through:

Arraignment
Pre-trial
Trial (prosecution evidence, defense evidence)
Judgment
Appeals (if any)

Step 5: Civil aspect

Civil liability may be:

Included in the criminal case, or
Filed separately depending on procedural choices and legal basis

7) Jurisdiction and venue (practical guide)

Which court hears the case depends on:

The offense charged and its penalty range
Whether it falls under special laws
Where the crime occurred (venue is typically where the act happened)

In practice:

Lower courts handle many less severe offenses
Regional Trial Courts handle more severe charges and certain special cases

8) Settlement, desistance, and “areglo” realities

Criminal cases: limited effect of private settlement

For most physical injury crimes, the case is public in nature (the State prosecutes). Even if the complainant signs an Affidavit of Desistance, it:

Does not automatically dismiss the case
May affect prosecutorial assessment if evidence becomes weak
May be considered in mitigation or civil compromise discussions

Civil liability: compromise is broader

Civil claims can often be settled more freely. Parties may agree on:

Payment schedules
Waivers/releases (with legal cautions)
Restitution and medical coverage

Caution: Settlements should be carefully drafted so they don’t unintentionally waive rights or conflict with ongoing criminal proceedings.

9) Defenses commonly raised

In intentional injury cases

Self-defense / defense of relative / defense of stranger (requires unlawful aggression + reasonable necessity + lack of sufficient provocation, with specific nuances)
Accident (no fault, no intent)
Lack of intent to kill (to defeat attempted/frustrated homicide and reduce to physical injuries)
Identity/alibi (fact-intensive)

In negligence cases

No negligence / due diligence
Contributory negligence of the victim (can reduce damages)
Unavoidable accident / fortuitous event (rarely successful unless strongly supported)

10) Evidence that wins (and evidence that often fails)

Strong evidence

Medico-legal certificate with clear classification
Consistent hospital documentation (diagnosis, procedures, prognosis)
Objective proof: CCTV, photos, independent witnesses
Police reports that align with medical findings
For negligence: diagrams, speed estimates, traffic rules, safety logs, maintenance records

Weak evidence patterns

Purely verbal allegations with no medical documentation
Late reporting without explanation
Inconsistent timelines between affidavits and medical records
Missing receipts for claimed expenses (unless temperate damages apply)

11) Timelines and prescription (why acting early matters)

Cases are subject to prescriptive periods (deadlines) which vary depending on:

The offense classification (RPC vs special law)
The severity/penalty
Whether it’s criminal or civil (quasi-delict has its own prescriptive period)

Because deadlines can be technical and fact-dependent, prompt legal consultation is important when hospitalization occurred.

12) Special situations frequently seen in practice

A. Domestic violence with hospitalization

Often proceeds under RA 9262 with:

Criminal complaint
Protection orders (barangay/temporary/permanent, depending on the forum and facts)
Additional remedies that are not available in ordinary physical injuries cases

B. Workplace injuries

Possible layers:

Criminal negligence (if gross safety violations)
Civil damages (employer or third parties)
Administrative/labor remedies (employee compensation, OSH compliance, company discipline)

C. Road crashes

Common combination:

Reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries (criminal)
Quasi-delict damages claim (civil) or civil aspect in criminal case
Insurance claims (CTPL and others), which can be parallel but have their own requirements

D. Multiple offenders

Liability can be:

Individual, or
Shared/solidary in certain civil contexts depending on findings and participation

13) Practical checklist for injured parties (hospitalized)

Get a medical certificate and, if applicable, medico-legal classification (with days of medical attendance/incapacity).
Secure receipts and SOA from hospital and pharmacies.
Take photos of injuries throughout recovery.
Record witness details; request CCTV preservation immediately.
File a police report and prepare a clear complaint-affidavit.
Consider whether your best route is:
- Criminal case with civil aspect, or
- Separate civil action (quasi-delict/contract), especially for negligence scenarios.
If threats persist (especially in domestic contexts), seek protective remedies promptly.

14) Practical checklist for respondents/accused

Preserve your own evidence (messages, CCTV, witness statements).
If claiming self-defense, document unlawful aggression and injuries suffered.
For negligence accusations, gather safety/traffic compliance proof (training, maintenance logs, policies).
Avoid pressuring complainants to recant; that can create new legal problems.
Address civil exposure early (medical assistance, settlement discussions through counsel).

15) Key takeaways

Hospitalization strongly supports seriousness, but legal classification depends on medical findings and legal elements, especially intent to kill vs no intent and negligence vs intentional acts.
Criminal cases punish wrongdoing; civil cases compensate harm. Often, both apply.
The medico-legal certificate and hospital records are the backbone of most injury cases.
Civil damages can include medical costs, lost income, moral/exemplary damages, and more—subject to proof.
Procedure typically begins at the prosecutor’s office for criminal complaints and proceeds to court if probable cause is found.

General information notice

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer who can assess your specific facts and documents.