How To Prove A Tennessee Unjust Enrichment Claim

 

 

In Tennessee, a claim of Unjust Enrichment is defined as:

A legal doctrine to remedy the situation where one party to a contract or agreement unjustifiably benefits from the property or action of another and without compensation.

It simply means:

One party provides a benefit to another without receiving legal compensation for it.

There are 3 elements of the claim:

• Element 1. The plaintiff conferred a benefit upon the defendant. The plaintiff provided something valuable to the defendant, like money or services, which the defendant accepted and benefited from, even though there was no agreement to pay for it.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The plaintiff provided the defendant with valuable services that increased the defendant’s business revenue significantly.
  * The plaintiff delivered goods to the defendant without receiving payment, which the defendant subsequently sold for profit.
  * The plaintiff invested time and resources into a project that directly enhanced the defendant’s market position.
  * The plaintiff incurred expenses on behalf of the defendant, expecting reimbursement that was never fulfilled.
  * The plaintiff’s efforts led to the defendant receiving a lucrative contract that would not have been possible without the plaintiff’s contributions.

• Element 2. The defendant appreciated the benefit conferred by the plaintiff. The defendant received something valuable from the plaintiff, like money or services, and recognized that this benefit was helpful or advantageous to them, which is an important part of proving an unjust enrichment claim.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The defendant received a substantial financial gain from the services provided by the plaintiff, which directly contributed to the defendant’s increased revenue.
  * The defendant acknowledged the quality of the plaintiff’s work in multiple communications, expressing gratitude for the benefits received.
  * The defendant continued to use the plaintiff’s services over an extended period, indicating recognition of their value and benefit.
  * The defendant’s business operations improved significantly after implementing the plaintiff’s recommendations, demonstrating an appreciation for the conferred benefit.
  * The defendant made statements to third parties about the advantages gained from the plaintiff’s contributions, reflecting an understanding of the benefit received.

• Element 3. The defendant accepted the benefit under circumstances that made it inequitable to retain it without payment of its value. The defendant received a benefit in a situation where it would be unfair for them to keep it without paying for its value, meaning they gained something at someone else’s expense without just cause.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The defendant received a substantial financial benefit from the plaintiff’s services without any agreement to compensate the plaintiff.
  * The defendant knowingly used the plaintiff’s proprietary information to gain a competitive advantage, resulting in increased profits.
  * The defendant was aware that the plaintiff expected payment for the goods delivered but chose to withhold payment.
  * The defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff to incur significant expenses, which the defendant benefited from without reimbursement.
  * The defendant failed to disclose their intent to not pay for the services rendered, leading the plaintiff to reasonably believe payment would be made.

^{(See Freeman Industries v. Eastman Chemical Co., 172 SW 3d 512 – Tenn: Supreme Court 2005.)}
If you’re in court without a lawyer and plan to assert a Claim of Unjust Enrichment, 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 supported by thorough legal research and a strong analysis of the facts. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to effectively navigate your case and advocate for your rights.

Prove Your TN Unjust Enrichment Claim

U.S. Civil Cases Only