![]() "Such a claim is viable only where the facts demonstrate unjust enrichment, that is, successor counsel has received and retained a benefit from predecessor counsel, which would be unjust to retain without some payment to predecessor counsel." The case, which has already been to the state's highest court once before, stems from William Weiler Jr.’s representation of the estate of Richard Eazor in an automobile accident case beginning in 2005. ![]() "Accordingly, we hold, under circumstances like those presented here, predecessor counsel may recover damages in quantum meruit against successor counsel in a contingent fee dispute," Dougherty wrote in a 20-page ruling. But those cases are distinguishable from Meyer Darragh's, he said. In his opinion, Justice Kevin Dougherty acknowledged that in many cases, quantum meruit actions are brought only against the former client, rather than another law firm. Malone Middleman ultimately received $67,000 in attorney fees from the client, and the Supreme Court concluded Tuesday that Meyer Darragh can collect nearly $15,000 of that fee from the firm. In its unanimous Tuesday opinion, the court held that Meyer Darragh Buckler Bebenek & Eck can obtain damages from Malone Middleman, which took over an estate case from Meyer Darragh following a lateral move. Credit: OBprod/ A law firm that was discharged by a client may recover damages in quantum meruit from the firm that takes over the case, rather than from the client, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled.
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