Hugo Borromeo v. The Manila Electric Railroad

Summary

Hugo Borromeo sued Manila Electric Railroad and Light Co. for damages after losing his left foot in a boarding accident on April 10, 1920. While attempting to board electric car No. 203 after his children, the car suddenly moved causing him to fall and be dragged, resulting in amputation. The trial court awarded P5,400 for medical expenses, finding the defendant liable for employee negligence. On appeal, the Supreme Court upheld liability but modified the award to include an additional P2,000 for future earnings loss. The Court applied Civil Code provisions on quasi-delict, recognizing that the 45-year-old marine engineer's permanent disability destroyed his principal source of professional income, as the Collector of Customs refused to renew his license. This case demonstrates the application of comprehensive damages under quasi-delict law, including both actual losses and future earning capacity.