STATE LAW – NORTH DAKOTA LIBRARY – GUIDE 22
North Dakota Settlement, Release & Claim Closure
Settlement should come only after responsible parties, liability coverage, UM/UIM, basic no-fault benefits, damages, liens and reimbursement interests have been identified.
Current-law review: September 25, 2026.
- Identify every person and entity being released.
- Review general-release, indemnity, hold-harmless, confidentiality and attorney-fee provisions.
- Confirm whether UM/UIM or other first-party rights could be impaired.
- Resolve no-fault reimbursement, liens and subrogation claims before distribution.
- Preserve complete settlement, release and payment documentation.
A good-faith release of one North Dakota tortfeasor does not automatically release the others
North Dakota Century Code § 32-38-04 provides that a good-faith release or covenant given to one of multiple tortfeasors does not discharge the others unless the agreement says so. The remaining claim is reduced as provided by statute, and the settling tortfeasor is discharged from contribution liability to the others.
First-party and reimbursement rights should be resolved before signing
Before executing a liability release, separately review UM/UIM, no-fault/PIP, hospital liens, health-plan reimbursement, Medicare/Medicaid, workers’ compensation, indemnity language, confidentiality terms, and any claims intended to remain open.
PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION
VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.
Official Sources
Verify current North Dakota law at the source
The reviewed North Dakota guide content above is preserved. Use current statutes, insurance regulation, controlling cases and the operative policy before legal reliance.
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