Northeast Fence & Iron Works, Inc. v. Murphy Quigley Co., Inc. - Superior Ct. - Sept. 18, 2007
http://www.aopc.org/OpPosting/Superior/out/a35022_06.pdf
Plaintiff/subcontractor's judgment against defendant/general contractor for installation of fencing at county prison upheld on theory of quantum meruit/unjust enrichment, which are synonymous terms. Plaintiff finished the fence job on emergency basis when a prior subcontractor left the job incomplete.
The elements/factors in QM/unjust enrichment are
a) lack of an express contract - there was a dispute about the price in this case
b) benefit conferred on defendant - satisfaction of D's contractual obligation to 3d party
c) acceptance and retention of benefit by defendant
d) circumstances would make it inequitable or unjust to retain benefit w/o payment, the "most significant element" of the doctrine
e) QM can apply where there has been partial payment, if benefit is greater than amount paid
