What is a release of liability in a personal injury case?
A release of liability in a personal injury case is a document that a defendant signs to release a plaintiff from any legal responsibility for an injury. In California, a release of liability can protect a defendant from civil or criminal charges. A release of liability is typically used when a plaintiff agrees to settle a personal injury case before it goes to court. In this instance, the plaintiff agrees to accept a payment from the defendant in lieu of going to court. The defendant is then released from any legal responsibility for the injury, as long as the plaintiff does not refile the claim. The release of liability also releases the defendant from any responsibility for any additional related injuries or damages. This means that once the defendant has settled a claim, they cannot be held liable for any additional injuries or damages that arise from the same incident. In California, a release of liability must be written in plain English and should include the date, the name of the plaintiff and defendant, and specifics of the agreement such as the amount of the settlement and any other terms and conditions. The document must also be signed and dated by both parties and notarized by a Notary Public.
Related FAQs
What is the difference between a structured settlement and a lump-sum settlement?What is the difference between a soft tissue injury and a serious injury?
What should I do if I'm injured in an accident?
How can I calculate the value of my personal injury case?
What is personal injury law?
What is the burden of proof in a personal injury case?
What do I need to do to prepare for a personal injury case?
What can I expect during a personal injury deposition?
What types of compensation are available for wrongful death?
What is the difference between actual and nominal damages?
Related Blog Posts
Understanding the Basics of Personal Injury Law - July 31, 2023Common Causes of Personal Injury Lawsuits - August 7, 2023
Who Can File Personal Injury Claims? - August 14, 2023
What Are the Elements of a Personal Injury Case? - August 21, 2023
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case? - August 28, 2023