What must occur for a Compromise and Release (C&R) to be valid?

What must occur for a Compromise and Release (C&R) to be valid?

• A. Approval by the appeals board or referee
• B. A judge's signature
• C. A physician's consent
• D. An employer's consent

Answer: (A)

A Compromise and Release becomes binding only after approval by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board or a WCAB judge/referee. This approval ensures the settlement is fair, compliant with California law, and properly valued, protecting the employee and guaranteeing enforceability. Simply having a physician’s consent or an employer’s consent does not make the agreement binding, and while a judge’s signature is part of the process, the formal, binding approval comes from the appeals board or a WCAB referee. Once approved, the C&R resolves the claim under the agreed terms.

A Compromise and Release becomes binding only after approval by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board or a WCAB judge/referee. This approval ensures the settlement is fair, compliant with California law, and properly valued, protecting the employee and guaranteeing enforceability. Simply having a physician’s consent or an employer’s consent does not make the agreement binding, and while a judge’s signature is part of the process, the formal, binding approval comes from the appeals board or a WCAB referee. Once approved, the C&R resolves the claim under the agreed terms.