Legal Definitions - enrichment

In legal terms, enrichment refers to the act of receiving a benefit, advantage, or something of value. This benefit can be tangible, such as money or property, or intangible, such as services rendered or the avoidance of an expense. The concept of enrichment itself is neutral; it simply describes a gain. Whether this gain creates a legal obligation or is considered "unjust" depends on the specific circumstances under which the benefit was received.

• Imagine a bank accidentally deposits $5,000 into Sarah's checking account instead of transferring it to the intended recipient. Sarah has experienced enrichment because she has received a financial benefit (the $5,000) that she was not entitled to. While she might not have sought this benefit, its presence in her account constitutes a gain.

• A landscaping company is hired to mow the lawn at 123 Oak Street. By mistake, the crew mows the lawn at 125 Oak Street, the neighbor's property, while the neighbor is away. The homeowner at 125 Oak Street has received enrichment in the form of a free landscaping service. They have gained the benefit of a mowed lawn without having to pay for it or perform the work themselves.

• A construction company needs to store some building materials temporarily. Without asking permission, they use a vacant lot owned by a different individual for several weeks, saving themselves the cost of renting a storage unit. The construction company has experienced enrichment because they benefited from the free use of someone else's property, avoiding an expense they would otherwise have incurred.