Quantum meruit
A claim for a reasonable sum for work done where no price was agreed, or where a contract has failed.
Definition
Quantum meruit (Latin: "as much as was deserved") is a remedy that allows a person who has provided goods or services — but has no enforceable contract entitling them to a specific price — to claim a reasonable sum for the benefit conferred. It arises in three main situations: (1) where work was done under a contract that turns out to be void or has been repudiated; (2) where the parties agreed to work being done but never fixed a price; and (3) where work was done beyond the agreed contract scope and the other party accepted the extra work. The court assesses the reasonable market value of the work or goods, not any agreed or anticipated price.
In practice
If you have completed work and the client refuses to pay because there was no signed contract, quantum meruit may be your route to recovery. Document the work performed, the time spent, and comparable market rates for similar work. A quantum meruit claim is an alternative to a contract claim, not an addition to it — you cannot recover both. The limitation period is six years from when the work was completed.