Example of Quasi Contract in Law

Quasi contract in law is a legal concept that can often arise out of situations where there is no formal contract in place. In such instances, a court may recognize a quasi contract to prevent one party from receiving unjust enrichment at the expense of another.

For example, let`s say that John hires a contractor to install a new roof on his house. The contractor completes the work and John pays him the agreed-upon amount. However, several weeks later, John finds out that the contractor was not licensed and did a subpar job on the roof. John demands a refund, but the contractor refuses to return any money.

In this situation, John could argue that a quasi contract exists. This is because the contractor received an unjust enrichment by receiving payment without having the required license and performing subpar work. The court may recognize a quasi contract and compel the contractor to refund the money to John.

Quasi contracts can also arise in various other situations. For example, if a person provides emergency medical care to someone who is incapacitated and unable to consent, the court may recognize a quasi contract to ensure that the person providing care is compensated appropriately.

Similarly, if a person pays for a service that they did not receive, they may be entitled to a refund under quasi contract theory. For instance, if someone pays for a flight ticket but the flight is canceled, the person may be able to claim the amount paid under a quasi contract.

In conclusion, quasi contracts can arise in various situations where there is no formal contract in place. They are recognized by the court to prevent unjust enrichment and ensure that parties are compensated fairly. As such, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to understand the concept of quasi contracts and how they may apply to their situations.