Quantum Meruit

Definition

Quantum meruit is a legal doctrine that allows a party to recover the reasonable value of services rendered or goods provided, even in the absence of a formal contract. It is a remedy available when an individual has provided a benefit to another party and it would be unjust for the recipient to retain that benefit without paying for it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quantum meruit is often used as a remedy when a contract is found to be unenforceable or void.
2. The measure of recovery under quantum meruit is the reasonable value of the services or goods provided, not the contract price.
3. Quantum meruit can be applied in cases where the parties did not have a formal written contract, but the circumstances imply an agreement to pay for the services or goods.
4. To recover under quantum meruit, the plaintiff must prove that the services or goods were provided, the defendant accepted them, and the defendant's retention of the benefit would be unjust without payment.
5. Quantum meruit is a distinct legal theory from breach of contract, as it does not require the existence of a valid contract.

Review Questions

• Explain how the doctrine of quantum meruit relates to the concept of breach of contract.
  • Quantum meruit is a remedy that can be used when a contract is found to be unenforceable or void, which may occur in the event of a breach of contract. While breach of contract focuses on the failure to perform according to the terms of a valid agreement, quantum meruit allows a party to recover the reasonable value of services or goods provided, even in the absence of a formal contract. This remedy is designed to prevent unjust enrichment and ensure that a party is compensated for the benefit they have conferred on another, regardless of the contractual relationship.
• Describe the key elements required to recover under a quantum meruit claim.
  • To recover under quantum meruit, the plaintiff must prove three key elements: (1) the services or goods were provided, (2) the defendant accepted the services or goods, and (3) the defendant's retention of the benefit would be unjust without payment. The measure of recovery is the reasonable value of the services or goods, not the contract price. This allows the court to ensure the defendant is not unfairly benefiting from the plaintiff's work or contributions, even in the absence of a valid contract.
• Analyze how the doctrine of quantum meruit differs from the concept of an implied contract.
  • While both quantum meruit and implied contract involve situations where there is no formal written agreement, they are distinct legal theories. Quantum meruit focuses on preventing unjust enrichment and compensating a party for the reasonable value of services or goods provided, regardless of the contractual relationship. In contrast, an implied contract is inferred from the conduct of the parties and the circumstances of the case, suggesting the existence of an unwritten agreement. The key distinction is that quantum meruit is a remedy, while an implied contract is a type of contract recognized by the law. Quantum meruit can be used even when an implied contract is found to be unenforceable or void.

Related terms

Unjust Enrichment: The legal principle that prohibits one party from unfairly benefiting at the expense of another, without providing compensation.

Implied Contract: A contract that is not expressed in words but is inferred from the conduct of the parties and the circumstances of the case.

Restitution: The act of restoring something to its rightful owner or compensating a party for a loss, injury, or expenditure.