Opinion ID: 1327667
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: quantum meruit and unjust enrichment

Text: Mrs. Gignilliat lastly argues the circuit court erred in granting summary judgment to GSB on her claims for quantum meruit and unjust enrichment. Mrs. Gignilliat asserts she has established the necessary elements by showing Gignilliat spent a lifetime developing the GSB law firm, GSB has derived a substantial benefit from carrying on the practice under the Gignilliat name, and it would be inequitable for GSB to retain this benefit without compensating Gignilliat's estate. This Court has recognized quantum meruit as an equitable doctrine to allow recovery for unjust enrichment. Columbia Wholesale Co. v. Scudder May N.V., 312 S.C. 259, 261, 440 S.E.2d 129, 130 (1994).  [Q]uantum meruit, quasi-contract, and implied by law contract are equivalent terms for an equitable remedy. Myrtle Beach Hosp., Inc. v. City of Myrtle Beach, 341 S.C. 1, 8, 532 S.E.2d 868, 872 (2000). To prevail under this theory, a plaintiff must show the following elements: (1) [a] benefit conferred by [the] plaintiff upon the defendant; (2) realization of that benefit by the defendant; and (3) retention of the benefit by the defendant under circumstances that make it inequitable for him to retain it without paying its value. Id. at 8-9, 532 S.E.2d at 872; accord Smith-Hunter Constr. Co. v. Hopson, 365 S.C. 125, 616 S.E.2d 419 (2005). We affirm the circuit court's grant of summary judgment on this claim. It is axiomatic that a claim for quantum meruit will not lie absent evidence of unjust enrichment. Unlike plaintiff's claim of wrongful appropriation/right of publicity where nominal damages are presumed at law, quantum meruit requires a showing of actual damages resulting from the wrongful retention of benefits (goods or services) by the defendant. Here, Mrs. Gignilliat has failed to offer any evidence of any goods or services bestowed upon GSB. The general argument that GSB originated business by associating itself with the Gignilliat name is too speculative. As such, it amounts to no more than an impermissible claim for professional goodwill. We recognize that the use of the Gignilliat name has some value to GSB, otherwise this litigation would not exist. However, Mrs. Gignilliat has failed to offer any evidence that this value is anything more than sentimental. Thus, her claim for quantum meruit/unjust enrichment fails.