Mears v. Safeco Insurance

ORDER

DONALD W. MOLLOY, District Judge.

Plaintiff Robert Mears filed a claim for policy benefits with his insurer, Defendant Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois (“Safeco”), after being hit by a car while crossing the street. He eventually accepted a settlement offer of $21,015.58 in exchange for his agreement to “release [Safeco] from liability under the policy.” The oral agreement was reached over the phone in a recorded conversation. Mears subsequently signed off on a check from Safeco that included the notation, “FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF ALL CLAIMS.”

Eight months later, Mears learned…