No Evidence Release Invalidated by Fraud or Duress
In upholding the validity of a release, the Second Department explained the relevant principles:
” A release is a contract, and its construction is governed by contract law'” … . “A release may be invalidated . . . for any of the traditional bases for setting aside written agreements'” … . However, “a signed release shifts the burden of going forward . . . to the [plaintiff] to show that there has been fraud, duress or some other fact which will be sufficient to void the release'” … .
Here, the plaintiff failed to demonstrate that there was fraud, duress, or some other fact sufficient to void the release. Davis v Rochdale Vil, Inc, 2013 NY Slip Op 05874, 2nd Dept 9-18-13