Once a common law claim is resolved or settled by negotiation, the settlement must be documented. This is done by the claimant signing a common law release. The release simply provides a written record of the fact that a settlement has been reached. The TAC will not pay the settlement sum until it has a release signed by the claimant. The signing of a common law release is merely a formality. Once an offer is made by one party that is accepted by the other party, a settlement is reached. The release simply confirms the fact that a settlement has been achieved.