4th DCA: C&R Didn't Release Worker's Civil Claims Against Employer

A compromise and release does not constitute a global release of all possible civil claims against an employer unless settlement language explicitly mentions the intent to settle both the civil and workers’ compensation causes of action, California’s 4th District Court of Appeal said in a decision published Friday. The 4th DCA, in overturning a lower court’s decision, said the standard, preprinted compromise and release form waives only a worker's right to claim additional benefits through the workers’ compensation system. And an addendum to the C&am...