Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

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Key definition

Quantum definition

What does Quantum mean? Quantum describes the amount of money at issue in a claim, most commonly the sum of damages or compensation to be awarded. It is a descriptive Latin term used across civil litigation rather than a term defined by statute; its assessment is governed by general principles in case law and procedural rules. In practice, courts and practitioners separate “liability” from “quantum”, with a trial or proof on quantum where fault is admitted or established. Determining quantum involves evidence on heads of loss, causation, mitigation and interest, often with expert reports (for example, medical, actuarial or accountancy). Typical contexts include contract, tort/delict,...

Quantum meruit and quantum valebat: unjust enrichment claims for services and goods—principles, pre- and post-contract work, ‘free acceptance’, valuation (including timing), recipient issues and limitation (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is no longer maintained. It examines restitutionary claims for quantum meruit (value of services) and quantum valebat (value of goods): the relevant principles, the situations in which such claims may arise, and how to assess the value of any benefit conferred in those cases.

When is quantum meruit and quantum valebat relevant?

Claims in quantum meruit (value of services) and quantum valebat (value of goods) may emerge in a wide range of circumstances, from gaps in contractual terms on payment to the absence of any contract at all (Serck v Drake & Scull). For specific guidance on the interplay between quantum meruit/valebat claims and claims for unjust enrichment in the context of contractual relationships, see Practice Note: Unjust enrichment and contracts—failure of basis claims [Archived].

general principles—quantum meruit and quantum valebat claims

Claims in quantum meruit and quantum valebat are generally treated as a category within unjust enrichment, although courts have at times regarded them as a distinct class of restitutionary claims (Yeoman’s Row v Cobbe)...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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