Opinion ID: 1450185
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Elements of promissory estoppel

Text: A claim of promissory estoppel has four elements: (1) a promise; (2) on which a party relies to his or her detriment; (3) in a way the promisor expected or should have expected; and (4) resulting in an injustice that only enforcement of the promise could cure. Zipper v. Health Midwest, 978 S.W.2d 398, 411 (Mo.App. 1998); see In re Jamison's Estate, 202 S.W.2d 879, 886 (Mo.1947). The promise giving rise to the cause of action must be definite, and the promise must be made in a contractual sense. Zipper at 411. In Missouri, promissory estoppel is not a favorite of the law, and each element must clearly appear and be proven by the party seeking its enforcement. Id.