A release is the document that ends a claim. The injured party signs it in exchange for a settlement payment. Once signed, the claim is gone. You cannot revive it later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Releases are written by the insurer's attorneys and almost always include broad language: a release of 'all claims, known and unknown,' often including 'all parties who might be liable,' covering 'all damages, present and future.' Reading and understanding a release before signing is critical.
Many quick early-offer settlements come with releases that close the door on serious-injury damages that haven't yet appeared. We review every proposed release before any client signs.