Saltzman v. Low

Saltzman v. Low

The altered written agreement was not enforceable due to doubt about the defendant's understanding; therefore the claimant's entitlement is assessed by quantum meruit and the court finds 10% to be a reasonable benchmark but limits recovery to the amount claimed; accordingly judgment for the claimant for $460 plus $96.80 costs (total $556.80).

Citation
2014 NSSM 27
Parties
Claimant: James Saltzman; Defendant: Paul Low
Court
Nova Scotia Small Claims Court
Jurisdiction
Canada
Judgment Date
23 April 2014
Procedural Posture
Small Claims Court / Hearing Concluded; Decision Rendered
Outcome
Judgment for Claimant in part
Legal Topics
Quantum Meruit, Enforceability of Signed Documents, Capacity/assent, Assessment of Reasonable Remuneration, Costs
Source Language
English

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Parties

James Saltzman

Claimant

Paul Low

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Small Claims Court / Hearing Concluded; Decision Rendered

  1. 1 Whether the altered written release showing 10% is legally enforceable
  2. 2 Whether the claimant is entitled to remuneration on a quantum meruit basis
  3. 3 What constitutes a reasonable fee for the services rendered

Ratio Decidendi

The altered written agreement was not enforceable due to doubt about the defendant's understanding; therefore the claimant's entitlement is assessed by quantum meruit and the court finds 10% to be a reasonable benchmark but limits recovery to the amount claimed; accordingly judgment for the claimant for $460 plus $96.80 costs (total $556.80).

Court Disposition

Judgment for Claimant in part

Orders

  • Order for payment of $460.00 plus $96.80 in costs, total $556.80