The word "meruit" means to deserve or earn something, often used in a legal context when someone deserves compensation for their work or services. Full definition
Presumably, to enforce payment for services rendered the service provider would need to pursue a quantum meruit claim in equity. (law.stackexchange.com)
Owner successfully denies contractor's «extra» and quantum meruit claims for additional payment on sewer system work repair and retrofit work needed to satisfy local government requirements. (constructionlawtoday.com)
Mr. Chodos charged $ 1,000 an hour for his time but had to sue ex-client for quantum meruit recovery based on the absence of a retainer and had a jury award him $ 7.8 million, his lodestar of 1,800 hour for the divorce work plus a multiplier of five — meaning the jury increased his hourly rate to $ 5,000. (calattorneysfees.com)