Stella is injured in a motor accident and is brought to the hospital by a passerby. Stella subsequently passes into a coma. The doctors and other staff perform the necessary medical procedures to save her life. Stella comes out of her coma after two months and is released from the hospital after the doctors are satisfied by her recovery. Under the doctrine of ________ contract, Stella has to pay the hospital for its services.
A) implied-in-fact contract
B) express contract
C) quasi-contract
D) formal contract

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this scenario, Stella did not enter into any express or implied-in-fact contract with the hospital for medical services. Therefore, the hospital cannot enforce payment based on a traditional contractual relationship. However, under the doctrine of quasi-contract, or unjust enrichment, the hospital can seek payment from Stella for the value of the services rendered. This is because by receiving and benefiting from the medical care provided, Stella has received a benefit without paying for it, which would be unjust. Therefore, she is obliged to pay the hospital for its services.

Stella Is Injured in a Motor Accident and Is Brought