[MI] Can I get out of a signed settlement in Michigan?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand you’re looking to potentially get out of a signed settlement in Michigan. Can you tell me more about the reasons why you want to do so?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you consulted with a lawyer regarding this matter yet?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your signed settlement.

Jon

Hello! I’m delighted that you’ve chosen to contact AskALawyer for assistance. My name is Jon, and I’m here to assist you as an attorney.

I understand that dealing with legal issues can be stressful and confusing. Don’t worry — I’m here to help and hope to provide you with a solution to your problem.

Was this settlement signed as part of an existing lawsuit?

Jon

Ok, and you want to know if you can back out now? I assume you had no lawyer present or chance to speak to one first.

Jon

Understood! I think I have all the information I need, but is there anything else you’d like to add before I get started on your answer? If not, I’ll start working on a response for you right away.

Jon

Got it. I just need a few minutes to finish typing out a complete response for you. It won’t take long — typically around 5 to 10 minutes.

Jon

In Michigan, once you sign a settlement agreement and accept payment, it usually becomes a binding contract. That means it’s legally enforceable, especially if you received compensation the same day — it suggests a formal agreement was made.

That said, there are some situations where a settlement like this could be challenged, though it’s not easy and would require a close legal look at the details.

One possible route is to argue that you signed under duress. If you felt pressured by the auto center to take the offer right away — especially under the threat of delays or no compensation — and that pressure was so strong it left you feeling like you had no real choice, a court might consider that. But proving duress is difficult and would require solid evidence.

Another angle could be misrepresentation. If Walmart Auto Center downplayed or didn’t disclose the extent of the damage they caused — especially if they knew there could be longer-term effects — and you relied on that information when agreeing to the settlement, there may be reason to challenge it. But since the new car problems came up after the settlement, it complicates things. You’d have to show that the auto center either knew or should have known about these risks and failed to tell you.

There’s also a very rare possibility of arguing that the agreement was unconscionable — so unfair and one-sided that a court wouldn’t uphold it. But that’s a high bar and usually applies when there’s a serious imbalance of power or highly unfair terms.

Right now, the best thing you can do is collect every document you have: the signed settlement, repair records, receipts, communication with Walmart, and the dealership’s diagnosis that links the new issues to the original mistake. Then, talk to a Michigan attorney as soon as possible. You’ll need someone who understands contract and consumer law to take a close look at your case and advise you on your rights.

Not having a lawyer review the settlement before you signed it doesn’t automatically make it invalid — but it could be a factor, especially if the circumstances suggest you were unfairly pressured. What will really matter is whether you can show a direct connection between Walmart’s negligence and the new, more serious damage to your car.

Don’t wait to get legal advice — the sooner you act, the better your chances of understanding whether you can fight the agreement and what your next steps should be.