Court Opinion

ID: 9777904
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 20:27:48.155304+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:33:02.403612
License: Public Domain

DIES, Chief Justice,
concurring.
This is a concurrence to the original opinion delivered December 29, 1988.
The real problem here, as seen by this writer anyway, is that the instrument which settled the asbestos claim does not limit itself to that claim. Whether it be called a compromise and settlement, or a release, it clearly covers all future effects from the same exposure. No release of a claim for personal injuries can be avoided on the ground of mistake because the injuries prove to be more serious than believed by the releasor at the time of executing the release. 50 TEX.JUR.2d Release sec. 16 (1969), and authorities cited. “Nor is this rule altered by the fact that the mistake was a mutual one, since to hold otherwise would militate against voluntary settlements. If, therefore, the minds of the parties meet on the understanding that the payment and acceptance of the consideration were in full settlement of the releas-ee’s liability, and if there is no fraud or unfair conduct on either side, the release is valid, even though the injuries be more or less than appearances indicated. Each party takes the chance of future developments that may change conditions.” Id. (Emphasis added). For the reason stated, I concur in the disposition of the case.