Release Forms
Release Forms
A release form is a document that the defendant wants your loved one to sign. The form says that the home is released from future liability for your loved one’s injuries from the accident. This document comes with money. The money is a settlement offer to provide compensation. Your loved one can’t accept a settlement offer without signing a release. The language on release forms can seem complicated. Because of this, it is important to understand what the document says. There are several parts that the typical release form will include.
Signing a Release Form
Your loved one shouldn’t sign a release without understanding their rights. Signing the form might bar them from further compensation for injuries and other damages.
Release From Content
The release says that the insurance agency, or its client, is not at fault. This language is mainly used for statistics and marketing purposes.
Further, the release form will say that once your loved one has signed the form, they can’t bring other charges against the home.
The final paragraph of the standard release form will most likely include language stating that your loved one has not made any other side agreements with anyone else involved, including the insurance company, claims adjuster, and the person responsible for the accident. This section gets included so your loved one can’t claim later on that they were promised any additional money.
Settlement
Personal injury settlements are final. Once your loved one accepts a settlement and signs a release, their case ends. The insurance company and person responsible for your loved one’s accident become released from liability.
Contacting a Lawyer
Your loved one should contact a personal injury lawyer before signing a release form. If your loved one signs a release without understanding what their rights are, your loved one might be barred from further compensation for their injuries and other damages. A lawyer can determine if the compensation offered is sufficient, or if your loved one should take their case to court.