Can a contractor sue for non-payment without a written contract?

Can I sue without a contract or can you sue a contractor without a contract—payment disputes often allow suit on oral agreement, open account, quantum meruit (reasonable value of services), or unjust enrichment when one party was unjustly enriched at another's expense. ^[1][2] Proof Estimates, texts, invoices, site access logs, and witness testimony matter. Statute of Frauds Construction and home improvement may trigger state writing requirements for some projects—check local law. Small claims Unpaid handyman or freelance fees within jurisdictional limits can go to small claims. Best practice Written scope, price, and change orders prevent disputes. ^[1][2]