Ledyard Law
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What is a Release?

A Release is a legal document signed during a settlement, and it’s a contract between both parties. They can be incredibly complex, but a Release essentially explains what you give up to receive your settlement money. The biggest things you may give up are the claim as a whole (you are paid your damages and the company has no outstanding debts), the ability to make statements about the case or the money, and the ability to make future claims against the company.

WHAT GOES INTO A RELEASE? HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME?

Releases can be extremely long and confusing documents, but the basic structure includes terms about who is involved (who the release pertains to), who exactly is being released (you are ‘releasing’ the company from their obligation), and detailing what you are agreeing to.

Insurance companies generally put a ton of extra pages in their Releases that are completely unfair or unnecessary. This can include stipulations about never being able to make any claims against them in the future, even if it is unrelated. Obviously this kind of things is unfair an needs to be removed.
Other times, they want to be very specific about what you can talk about with regards to your case, your settlement, and the amount of money they are paying you. They generally like to keep these things private, and our clients are usually happy to oblige.

HOW ARE CHANGES MADE TO A RELEASE?

After our Firm receives a Release, we work carefully with you to review the proposed content, wording, and anything left out. We will confirm and then formally request revisions until both parties are satisfied. Once it’s signed, the payment process begins.

Click the video to learn more about Releases and how they are modified.

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