What is General Release?
A broad legal document in which the plaintiff waives all claims, known and unknown, against a party in connection with an incident or dispute.
Understanding General Release
A general release is broader than a limited release and typically bars any future claims arising from the same incident. Because it can extinguish rights the plaintiff may not yet be aware of, attorneys must ensure the settlement amount reflects the full scope of potential damages before advising a client to sign one.
Examples
- 1Plaintiff signs general release waiving all claims against defendant and insurer
- 2Employer requiring general release as condition of severance package
- 3Settlement agreement with general release covering all related parties
Related Terms
Release of Claims
A legal document signed by the plaintiff that releases the defendant from any further liability related to the incident in exchange for a settlement payment.
Settlement
An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. Settlements typically involve the defendant paying the plaintiff an agreed-upon sum in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
Structured Settlement
A settlement arrangement where compensation is paid through periodic payments over time rather than a single lump sum.
Settlement Demand
A written demand from the plaintiff to the defendant or their insurance company requesting a specific amount of compensation to resolve a personal injury claim.
Demand Package
A comprehensive package of evidence, documentation, and legal arguments assembled by the plaintiff's attorney to support their settlement demand.
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