Opinion ID: 1926920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Measure of Recovery.

Text: On quantum meruit, the measure of recovery is the reasonable value of the services performed. The trial court found that appellant performed services as a housekeeper, nurse, and companion. It did not separate the amount of the award for each item, but found that the reasonable value of these services was $30 per week for two years. Appellant now claims that the trial court did not allow any recovery for services rendered as a nurse which would be from $5 to $10 extra to that of a housekeeper and companion. There was a wide range of testimony as to what the average compensation was for the services appellant performed, including that of practical nursing. The record shows that the wages average from $15 to $35 a week. The district supervisor of the Wisconsin Employment Service testified that the prevailing rate for housekeeping and companion services were $30 to $35 per week plus room and board, and that practical-nurse service was $5 to $10 extra. However, Mr. Shipley testified that the rate of pay might differ by reason of the housekeeper's freedom to come and go as she pleased. Mrs. Schroeder had that freedom. Also, for four weeks when Mr. Voss was bedridden, a Mrs. Horsthemke assisted Mrs. Schroeder with the nursing and was paid $15 per week plus board. We cannot say that the trial court's judgment on compensation is contrary to the great weight and clear preponderance of the evidence. In the present case it would be difficult to separate with precision the services rendered as a housekeeper and companion from those performed as a practical nurse when  decedent was ill, although the court found that the latter were also performed. We conclude it was not error for the trial court to give only a general award as to the reasonable value of the services performed. By the Court. Judgment affirmed.