Ideally, you should let an attorney review the check and letter, because the *exact* language used is critical. That said, if you do not want to show it to an attorney, basedon what you write, the check does not preclude you from seeking additional money, but will be credited against the total to which you are entitled: e.g., say you ultimately settle for $2,000; since you have received $1,000 already, you'd get another $2,000.