Can I reopen my case after I settle?

Once you sign a release and accept payment, the claim is over. Discovering the injury was worse than you thought is not grounds to reopen — it's the risk the release allocates to you.

The narrow exceptions. Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining the release. A mutual mistake about a fundamental fact, which is difficult to establish. Incapacity at signing. A release covering only specified claims where a different claim exists. Or a claim against a party who wasn't released.

All are hard, and none should be relied on as a fallback.

What this means practically. The decision to settle should come after you know what you're settling — meaning treatment complete or a clear prognosis, permanency addressed, and future costs understood.

Where a case must resolve before treatment ends — because limits are exhausted or a deadline looms — that's a decision made with full understanding of what's being given up, not one made hopefully.