Villapiano v. Better Brands of Illinois, Inc.

A truck driven by Dominic Villapiano collided with one driven by John Brandon. Villapiano was employed by Mini Reefer Transit, Inc., and Brandon by Better Brands of Illinois. Better Brands was delivering Miller High Life beer in a truck rented from the Hertz Corporation. Within a month after the accident, Villapiano, in return for $1,500, executed a full release to Brandon, Better Brands, Miller and Hertz for the injuries he received in the collision.

Reefer was not informed of the release. It had paid Villapiano workmen’s compensation benefits and, upon learning of the release, sued to set…