QUANTUM MERUIT

quantum meruit (kwon-t<>m mer-oo-it). [Latin “as much as he has deserved”] 1.
The reasonable value of services; damages awarded in an amount considered reasonable to
compensate a person who has rendered services in a quasi-contractual relationship. 2. A claim or
right of action for the reasonable value of services rendered. [Cases: Implied and Constructive
Contracts 30. C.J.S. Implied and Constructive Contracts § 24.] 3. At common law, a count in an
assumpsit action to recover payment for services rendered to another person. • Quantum meruit is
still used today as an equitable remedy to provide restitution for unjust enrichment. It is often
pleaded as an alternative claim in a breach-of-contract case so that the plaintiff can recover even if
the contract is unenforceable. See implied-in-law contract under CONTRACT. [Blacks Law 8th]