What is 'Quantum Meruit' in the context of breach of contract?

'Quantum Meruit' is a legal principle that translates to "as much as he has deserved" in Latin. This principle is applied in situations involving the breach of contract, where one party seeks compensation for services rendered but not officially agreed upon in a contract. When a contract is breached, the aggrieved party may claim quantum meruit to recover the value of their work or services, even in the absence of a formal contract.

In this context, if a party has provided services that benefited the other party and there is no clear, enforceable contract dictating the terms of payment, the party providing the services can seek payment based on the reasonable value of those services. This ensures that individuals are compensated fairly for their efforts, even if an agreement was not explicitly established.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of quantum meruit. A type of verbal agreement refers to informal verbal contracts, which do not necessarily pertain to the payment for services without an agreement. A confidentiality clause involves the withholding of information, which is unrelated to the concept of service payment. A method of negotiation suggests a process of bargaining, distinct from the principle of seeking payment for work done.