Opinion ID: 433041
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: quantum meruit and agency claims

Text: 20 Although he has succeeded in obtaining damages for breach of contract, Adams insists that he is also entitled to recover on theories of quantum meruit and breach of fiduciary duty. His quantum meruit claim alleges that defendants were unjustly enriched because they took and used for their own benefit his advice, information and itineraries. Adams' agency claim asserts that defendants were his agents and, as such, breached a duty of good faith and loyalty by engaging in a competitive business. For these infringements, Adams seeks damages for the value of his services, recovery of any profits defendants might have realized from conducting competitive air tours and all damages naturally resulting from defendants' unauthorized acts. 21 We need not deal with these claims in any detail for they are wholly without merit. As the record clearly shows, Adams' purported causes of action in quantum meruit and agency merely duplicate his contract claim. The ultimate goal underlying each of these theories of recovery is to make the injured party whole. In this case, Adams is made whole once he is placed in the same economic position he would have occupied but for defendants' breach. As already discussed, contract damages for his lost profits will restore Adams to that position. To accept Adams' arguments and grant full recovery under three alternative theories would in effect award the same damages three times. There is no legal or equitable basis to afford plaintiff such a windfall. 22 Accordingly, the judgment is reversed and remanded for a redetermination of damages. Additionally, the district court should award plaintiff prejudgment interest pursuant to N.Y.C.P.L.R. Sec. 5001. The judgment of the district court in all other respects is affirmed.