How premature closure happens
- Initial payment issued
- Carrier marks closed in their system
- No formal release signed
- Policyholder assumes claim is resolved
- Later discovery of unaddressed scope
What closes and what doesn't
- Claim "closed" internally doesn't foreclose rights
- Signed release does foreclose what's released
- Supplemental window (18 months) preserved without release
- Reopening possible for new damage
How to prevent premature closure
Document ongoing scope
- Don't accept closure when scope remains
- Photograph and preserve evidence
- Follow up on unaddressed items
Reject broad releases
- Don't sign "in full satisfaction" language
- Preserve specific claim rights
- Consult before signing
Preserve supplemental rights
- Explicit written preservation
- Within 18-month window
- Don't let carrier characterize as settled
Challenge if closed with pending work
- Written response challenging closure
- List specific unresolved scope
- Demand reopening