The phrase quantum meruit means as much as he has deserved. When a person employs another to do work for him, without any agreement as to his compensation, the law implies a promise from the employer to the workman that he will pay him for his services, as much as be may deserve or merit. In such case the plaintiff may suggest in his Complaint that the defendant promised to pay him as much as he reasonably deserved, and then state that that defendant has failed to pay such amount.
The following form is a complaint that adopts the "notice pleadings" format of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which have been adopted by most states in one form or another.
The New Jersey General Form of Complaint for Quantum Merit — For Services Rendered is a legal document used in the state of New Jersey to initiate a legal action in cases where the plaintiff is seeking payment for services rendered. Quantum meruit is a Latin term that translates to "as much as he deserved" and refers to the reasonable value of services provided by one party to another when there is no existing contract to define the exact amount owed. This form is applicable in various scenarios where a plaintiff has performed services for the defendant, either as an individual or a business entity, and is seeking compensation for those services. Some common types of services for which this form is used include: 1. Professional services: This can include services provided by professionals such as lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, or consultants. 2. Construction services: This category includes contractors, subcontractors, or any party involved in providing construction-related services like renovations, repairs, or improvements. 3. Service-based businesses: Any business that offers specialized services, such as marketing agencies, graphic designers, IT consultants, or event planners, can utilize this form if they are seeking payment for their services. 4. Freelancers or independent contractors: Individuals who provide services on a freelance or independent basis, like writers, photographers, web developers, or personal trainers, can also employ this form to seek compensation. The New Jersey General Form of Complaint for Quantum Merit — For Services Rendered typically includes several sections: 1. Caption: This section identifies the court, the parties involved (plaintiff and defendant), and any reference numbers or case information. 2. Parties and Jurisdiction: Here, the form outlines the names and addresses of the plaintiff and defendant, clarifying the jurisdiction and venue where the complaint is filed. 3. Allegations: This section details the facts of the case, including the nature of the services rendered, the agreement between the parties (if any), and how the defendant has failed to compensate the plaintiff adequately. 4. Count(s) and Demand for Relief: This part specifies the legal claims being pursued, typically based on quantum meruit, and the specific relief sought, which is usually the payment of a specified amount or the fair and reasonable value of the services rendered. 5. Certification: The form requires the plaintiff's certification that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. It's essential to consult with a legal professional to ensure the New Jersey General Form of Complaint for Quantum Merit — For Services Rendered is appropriately filled out and tailored to the specific circumstances of the case.
