What is a Quasi-Contract?

What is a Quasi-Contract?

A Quasi-Contract is a legal construct ensuring fairness when no formal agreement exists, but one party benefits at another’s expense. Courts impose obligations resembling a contract to prevent unjust enrichment, even though the involved parties never explicitly consented to any arrangement.

Key Points:

• No Formal Agreement: Established by law to fix an equitable imbalance.
• Unjust Enrichment: Stops one party from unfairly profiting without due compensation.
• Court-Ordered Restitution: The benefiting party must pay a reasonable sum.
• Examples: Recovery of accidental overpayments, or services rendered under mistaken assumptions.

Quasi-contracts uphold fairness, granting remedies for scenarios where a traditional contract is absent but moral and ethical obligations arise.