Opinion ID: 1175810
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: failure to plead quantum meruit.

Text: While it is true that a quantum meruit count was not specifically pleaded by JNP, it was obvious to the parties prior to trial that they were in total disagreement as to the terms of any express agreement. This was to the extent that Pellandini could reasonably have anticipated that a jury might not find any agreement as contended for by either party. Moreover, when the trial court determined to allow JNP to pursue a quantum meruit theory, although Pellandini objected, on the basis of it being an unpleaded count, Pellandini did not demonstrate any prejudice, and no request for a continuance was made. Further supporting the trial court on this point is the statement from 66 Am.Jur.2d, Restitution and Implied Contracts, § 160 at 1091-1092 (1973): ... under the modern practice it is generally held that a complaint or petition seeking to recover upon an express contract may be amended so as to ask for and permit recovery on a quantum meruit; and under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 8 and 54, and similar state statutes or rules of procedure, recovery has been allowed in some cases on quantum meruit where only an express contract was pleaded.