Opinion ID: 1834716
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Voiding of Statutory Waiver.

Text: Quinones argues that even if the section 85.55 waiver did apply to the type of injuries he suffered, the waiver was voided when Alcoa removed his work restrictions in 1977. Quinones asserts that he gave the waiver in exchange for the protection of the work restrictions that were attached to the waiver. Therefore, once the work restrictions were removed, the bargain was taken away and the waiver was void. We disagree with his conception of the agreement. The waiver was given in exchange for the job with Alcoa. Without the waiver, Alcoa would not have permitted him to return to work with the company because to do so would expose Alcoa to a greater risk of liability. Also, the waiver contemplated that the work restrictions might be modified or removed, but did not indicate that the lifting of the restrictions would result in a release of the waiver. The increased risk of injury due to the weakness and scarred condition of his lower back was permanent and remained even after the work restrictions were lifted. There was no written agreement to remove the waiver. Nor was there any indication that the parties mutually intended to revoke the waiver. To show abandonment of an agreement requires proof of an unequivocal and decisive act of relinquishment. Iowa Glass Depot, Inc. v. Jindrich, 338 N.W.2d 376, 380 (Iowa 1983) (citation omitted). Quinones has not proven an act of relinquishment of the waiver. Also, section 85.55 requires a written waiver and the approval of the industrial commissioner before a waiver takes effect. In light of the formality required to institute a waiver under section 85.55, we believe that the intent to revoke the waiver must be shown by clear evidence. Quinones' waiver of compensation for injuries arising out of the defect in his lower back remained in place at the time of each of his three work related back injuries. We find the district court correctly denied his claim that the waiver had been voided. Because we find the waiver bars him from recovering any compensation for his injuries, we need not address his request to increase the disability award. AFFIRMED.