Settlements Can't Be Retroactively Voided as Against Public Policy

The Vermont Supreme Court on Friday ruled that a full and final settlement between a worker and her employer cannot be voided based as contrary to public policy. Department of Labor Commissioner Anne Noonan last year refused to enforce the terms of a settlement calling for the release of all claims arising from Brandy Clayton’s employment with J.C. Penney as impermissibly broad. But the Supreme Court said that wasn’t a valid basis to reject the terms of an agreement that had already been approved by the department. Under Vermont law, any workers’ compensation settlement mus...