Promissory estoppel is an equitable theory of recovery that permits enforcement of a promise when one or more elements necessary to create an enforceable contract are missing.
The elements of promissory estoppel are generally: (1) a promise; (2) foreseeability of reliance by the promisor; (3) substantial and reasonable reliance by the promisee to its detriment; and (4) enforcing the promise is necessary to avoid injustice.
In Minnesota, promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that allows a party to enforce a promise even when a formal contract does not exist, provided certain elements are met. These elements include: (1) a clear and definite promise, (2) the promisor must have expected or foreseeably expected that the promise would induce action or forbearance on the part of the promisee, (3) the promisee actually relied on the promise in a definite and substantial manner, and (4) the reliance was to the promisee's detriment. The final element is that the necessity to enforce the promise must exist to prevent an injustice. Minnesota courts will apply this doctrine to ensure fairness and justice when the strict rules of contract law would otherwise result in an unfair outcome. It is important to note that the application of promissory estoppel can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, and an attorney can provide guidance on how the doctrine might apply to a particular situation.