Quantum Meruit is a Latin term meaning “as much as he deserves.” It refers to a legal principle where a person can recover the reasonable value of services provided when there is no existing contract or when a contract is unenforceable.
Legal Context:
In the absence of a formal agreement, Quantum Meruit allows a party to claim compensation for services or goods provided when it is unjust for the receiving party to benefit without paying. This concept is often applied in quasi-contractual situations or when a contract has been partially performed but is later voided.
Example
If a contractor starts work on a project but the contract is later found to be invalid, the contractor may still be entitled to payment for the work already completed under Quantum Meruit. The court would assess the value of the services provided and determine a fair amount of compensation.
