Elucidate the remedies of the Bailee

Question

Elucidate the remedies of the Bailee?

Answer 1

If the bailment is contractual, the bailee has the usual contractual remedies. For complete performance, the bailee is entitled to the contract price. Where performance is partially complete, the bailee can make a quantum meruit claim (a reasonable price for services) and may also be able to make a claim for lost profits.

If the bailee has performed its services and payment is due by the owner, common law and various statutes give some bailees (warehouses, repairers, common carriers, hotels, and boarding houses) a right of lien: the right to keep the goods until the owner is paid. If the owner doesn't pay, the bailee may eventually sell the goods after following certain provisions but must give any surplus monies to the bailor.