What partial payment signals
Progressive (good)
- Payment on documented scope
- Supplemental rights preserved
- Continued engagement expected
- Additional payments to follow
Closure attempt (problematic)
- Broad release required
- "Final settlement" language
- No further scope discussion
- Full release demanded
How to determine which
- Read the cover letter
- Check the release or endorsement language
- Confirm in writing with adjuster
- Don't sign release without reading
Preserving rights while accepting payment
If deposit is needed before issue clarified
- Deposit check without signing release
- Write "under protest" if ambiguous
- Document in writing your position
- Preserve supplemental rights explicitly
If broad release demanded
- Negotiate release language narrower
- Carve out known pending items
- Consult counsel before signing
- Decline release if scope remains
Filing supplemental after partial payment
- Within 18 months of loss
- New documented scope
- Reference original claim
- Submit formally