How To Prove A California Quantum Meruit (Goods and Services Rendered) Claim

 

How To Prove A California Quantum Meruit (Goods and Services Rendered) Claim

 

In California, a claim of Quantum Meruit (Goods and Services Rendered) is defined as:

A claim or count grounded on an implied contract that one party would pay the other what he or she deserved for services or materials provided.

It simply means:

When services were rendered with an expectation by both parties that compensation was to be made.

There are 4 elements of the claim:

  • Element 1. The defendant requested, by words or conduct, that plaintiff perform services or deliver goods for the benefit of defendant. The defendant asked the plaintiff, either through their words or actions, to provide services or deliver goods that would benefit the defendant.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The defendant explicitly asked the plaintiff to complete a project by stating, “I need your expertise to finish this work.”
    * The defendant provided the plaintiff with materials and resources, indicating a clear expectation for the plaintiff to perform services.
    * The defendant frequently communicated with the plaintiff about the progress of the work, demonstrating an ongoing request for services.
    * The defendant acknowledged the plaintiff’s efforts by saying, “Your work is essential for this project,” which implied a request for continued services.
    * The defendant did not object when the plaintiff began working on the project, suggesting acceptance of the services being rendered.

  • Element 2. The plaintiff performed as requested. The plaintiff did the work or provided the services that they were asked to do, which is an important part of proving their claim for payment based on the value of what they delivered.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The plaintiff completed all tasks outlined in the contract, delivering the agreed-upon services on time.
    * The plaintiff provided detailed invoices that documented the services rendered, which were accepted by the defendant without dispute.
    * The defendant acknowledged the quality of the plaintiff’s work through verbal praise and written communication.
    * The plaintiff maintained consistent communication with the defendant throughout the project, ensuring all requirements were met.
    * The defendant utilized the services provided by the plaintiff, benefiting from the work completed as intended.

  • Element 3. The defendant did not pay. In a Quantum Meruit claim, “the defendant did not pay” means that the person who received goods or services failed to compensate the provider for their work, even though the provider expected to be paid for what they delivered.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The defendant received multiple invoices for the services rendered but failed to make any payments.
    * The defendant acknowledged the receipt of services but explicitly stated they would not pay for them.
    * The defendant’s account was consistently in arrears, indicating a lack of payment for the services provided.
    * The plaintiff provided evidence of communications where the defendant disputed the charges but did not offer payment.
    * The defendant has not made any payments despite repeated requests for settlement over several months.

  • Element 4. Plaintiff can prove reasonable value of goods or services that were provided. The plaintiff must show that the goods or services they provided had a fair market value, meaning they can demonstrate how much those goods or services were worth in a typical transaction.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The plaintiff provided detailed invoices that outline the specific goods and services rendered, along with their corresponding costs.
    * The plaintiff has testimonials from satisfied clients who confirm the quality and value of the services provided.
    * The plaintiff’s pricing is consistent with industry standards for similar goods and services in the local market.
    * The defendant acknowledged receipt of the goods and services and did not dispute their value at the time of delivery.
    * The plaintiff maintained accurate records of time spent and materials used, demonstrating the reasonable value of the services rendered.

(See California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI), No. 371. E. J. Franks Construction, Inc. v. Sahota (2014) 226 Cal.App.4th1123, 1127-1128.)
If you’re representing yourself in court and plan to assert a Claim of Quantum Meruit (Goods and Services Rendered), having a Personal Practice of Law at Courtroom5 is essential. You’ll need to make informed decisions about what to file at each phase of your case and prepare legal documents that are supported by thorough legal research and a strong analysis of the facts. Equip yourself with the tools and guidance necessary to effectively navigate your legal journey.

Prove Your CA Quantum Meruit (Goods and Services Rendered) Claim

U.S. Civil Cases Only

Just a moment please.