How To Prove A Tennessee Promissory Estoppel Defense
In Tennessee, a defense of Promissory Estoppel is defined as:
This is an estoppel that prevents a promisor from denying the existence of a promise when the promisee reasonably and foreseeably relies on the promise and to his or her loss acts or fails to act and suffers an injustice that can only be avoided by enforcement of the promise
It simply means:
This means that a promise may be enforced if it was clearly made and the other party relied on it to their detriment.
There are 3 elements of the defense:
- Element 1. The defendant made a promise. The defendant made a clear promise to someone, indicating they would do something specific, which is an important part of a legal defense called promissory estoppel.
Facts that might support this element look like:
* The defendant explicitly stated, “I promise to pay you $1,000 if you complete the project by Friday.”
* The defendant sent an email confirming their commitment to provide financial support for the plaintiff’s business venture.
* During a meeting, the defendant assured the plaintiff that they would cover all expenses related to the upcoming event.
* The defendant verbally agreed to provide a loan to the plaintiff, contingent upon the plaintiff’s completion of specific tasks.
* The defendant provided written documentation outlining their promise to deliver goods by a certain date in exchange for the plaintiff’s services. - Element 2. The promise was clear and unambiguous. The promise must be straightforward and easy to understand, leaving no room for confusion, so that the person relying on it can clearly see what was promised and trust that it will be honored.
Facts that might support this element look like:
* The promise was documented in a written agreement that explicitly outlined the terms and conditions, leaving no room for interpretation.
* The promisor communicated the promise verbally in a clear and direct manner, ensuring that all parties understood the commitment being made.
* The promise included specific details regarding the timeline and actions required, demonstrating a clear intention to be bound by the agreement.
* The parties involved had a history of similar agreements, establishing a pattern of understanding that reinforced the clarity of the promise.
* The promise was made in the presence of witnesses who can attest to the unambiguous nature of the commitment. - Element 3. The plaintiff reasonably relied on the promise to their detriment. The plaintiff took action based on the promise made to them, believing it would be fulfilled, and as a result, they suffered a loss or disadvantage when that promise was not kept.
Facts that might support this element look like:
* The plaintiff turned down a job offer from another company after receiving a promise of employment from the defendant.
* The plaintiff incurred significant expenses in preparation for the role, including relocation costs based on the defendant’s assurances.
* The plaintiff declined to pursue other opportunities, believing the defendant’s promise was a guarantee of future employment.
* The plaintiff invested time and resources into training and certifications specifically for the position promised by the defendant.
* The plaintiff communicated their reliance on the defendant’s promise in writing, expressing their commitment to the role based on that assurance.
(See Chavez v. Broadway Elec. Service Corp., 245 SW 3d 398 (Tenn. Court of Appeals 2007).)
If you’re representing yourself in court and plan to assert a Defense of Promissory Estoppel, 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 knowledge necessary to effectively present your Defense of Promissory Estoppel.
Prove Your TN Promissory Estoppel Defense
U.S. Civil Cases Only