Tennessee Account Stated for Construction Work is a legal concept that pertains to the settlement of financial transactions between parties involved in the construction industry within the state of Tennessee, USA. It is a legal mechanism utilized to formalize and settle the outstanding balances owed for construction-related services or materials. An account stated is essentially an agreement reached between the parties involved, typically a contractor or a subcontractor (claimant), and the owner or the general contractor (debtor) about the amount owed for completed construction work or supplied materials. This agreement can be made either expressly or implicitly, through the exchange of invoices, purchase orders, work orders, or any other written communication that acknowledges the outstanding balance. The purpose of an account stated is to establish a clear and enforceable legal obligation for the debtor to pay the agreed-upon amount. Once an account stated is recognized, it becomes a legally binding document that can be used as evidence in a court of law in case of disputes or non-payment. Tennessee recognizes various types of account stated for construction work, including: 1. Express Account Stated: This type of account stated arises when both parties explicitly agree to the outstanding balance, either through a written contract or by signing a formal acknowledgment stating the amount owed. 2. Implied Account Stated: Also known as a "course of dealing," this type of account stated arises when the parties' actions and behavior suggest an agreement on the outstanding balance. For example, if the debtor repeatedly makes partial payments without disputing the amount owed, it can be inferred that there is an implied account stated. 3. Retention Account Stated: In some cases, construction contracts may include a retention clause whereby a specific percentage of the total contract amount is withheld until the completion of the project. When the final balance is determined and agreed upon by both parties, it becomes a retention account stated. 4. Change Order Account Stated: Construction projects often involve change orders or modifications to the original scope of work. When parties agree on the adjustments made, a change order account stated is established to reflect the revised outstanding balance resulting from the changes. Tennessee Account Stated for Construction Work is essential for ensuring fair compensation for construction-related services and materials. Claimants rely on this legal concept to receive the agreed-upon payment promptly, while debtors benefit from having a clear understanding of their financial obligations. It is crucial for construction professionals in Tennessee to understand the different types of account stated to protect their rights and navigate potential disputes effectively.