Releases: What You Are Signing

Releases describe which claims are being given up. Some are narrow and cover only the disease and injuries at issue. Others are broad and include related companies, insurers or future claims. Read the parts that list the people and companies being released and the kinds of claims covered. If family members are asked to sign, check what rights they are giving up, such as future wrongful death or loss of companionship claims. Your attorney should be able to walk through each section in everyday language and explain why it is included and what it means for you.

Some releases address future asbestos-related illnesses, which can matter if a different disease could develop later. Others release parent companies, successors or affiliates, and that can affect whether those related parties can be pursued. Ask directly whether the release gives up claims for future illnesses and exactly which companies it covers. If something seems broader than the settlement you discussed, raise it before signing. Changes to the wording are sometimes possible, but only before the document is final. Once it is signed and the payment is made, the terms are very hard to revisit.

Release documents sometimes arrive with deadlines, but you should still have enough time to understand them. If you feel rushed, ask your attorney for a short written explanation and a reasonable amount of time to review. Never sign a release sent directly by a company or insurer without your own attorney reviewing it first. If the patient is too ill to sign, ask how the release will be handled, since legal authority requirements such as a power of attorney must be met. Keep a fully signed copy of every release with your other claim records.

1. 1

   Ask your attorney to explain in writing what claims and companies each release covers.

2. 2

   Check whether the release gives up claims for future asbestos-related illnesses.

3. 3

   Take time to read the release before signing, even if a deadline is mentioned.

4. 4

   Keep a signed copy of every release with your claim records.