Quantum meruit意思

"Quantum meruit" is a Latin term that means "as much as he has deserved" or "the amount he has earned." In the legal context, it refers to a claim for payment for services rendered, where there is no express contract for payment or where the contract is invalid, but the services provided have been of benefit to the other party.

In a quantum meruit claim, the person providing the services seeks to recover the reasonable value of the services from the person who received them. This is based on the idea that it is unfair for one party to receive the benefits of the services without compensating the party who provided them.

Quantum meruit claims can arise in a variety of contexts, including construction, consulting, and other types of services. To succeed on a quantum meruit claim, the plaintiff must typically show that they provided services to the defendant, that the services were of value, and that the defendant received the benefit of the services. The plaintiff must also typically show that there was no express agreement for payment, or that the agreement is unenforceable, and that it is fair and reasonable to allow a recovery in quantum meruit.

It's important to note that the amount recoverable in a quantum meruit claim may be less than what would have been recoverable under the terms of an express contract, if such a contract existed. The court may also consider the reasonable value of the services provided, rather than the amount that the parties may have agreed to in an express contract.