Vertex, Inc. v. City Of Waterbur

278 Conn. 557 (2006)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

P to perform specific services to prepare D's computer systems for the year 2000 problem. The parties entered into a written contract dated June 7, 1999, under which P would install a certain software program on D's computers and perform the tasks outlined. Despite the fact that the written contract was not executed until June 7, 1999, P commenced work in March 1999. On July 1, 1999, P submitted a proposal for additional work to remedy additional year 2000 problems that it had identified during its first three months of work. P alleges that D accepted its July 1999 proposal, that it performed this additional work, and that D refused to pay for it. D denies accepting and contends that the additional work P claims to have performed was within the scope of the earlier written contract. D denies that it owes P any additional money. P sued alleging (1) breach of contract; (2) estoppel; and (3) unjust enrichment. The trial court dismissed, sua sponte, the first two counts and allowed P to proceed to trial only on the unjust enrichment count. A jury tried the case, and D moved for a directed verdict. The unjust enrichment count was submitted to the jury, but the trial court declared a mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The case was retried before a jury in June 2004, with the same judge presiding. The case was limited to the unjust enrichment count. The jury returned a general verdict in favor of D. This appeal eventually followed. P claims that the trial court improperly instructed the jury that it had to prove that there was an implied in fact contract to prevail on its claim for unjust enrichment.