You just got laid off. They handed you a severance agreement and said 'sign this to get your money'. You have no idea what you're actually giving up.
That stack of papers isn't just a formality. One signature could permanently waive your right to sue for discrimination, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination. Most people sign it without knowing the cost.
The severance agreement trap
You're stressed, you need the money, and HR is pressuring you. You sign the release of claims without realizing it's a final, binding surrender of your legal rights. The document is written in legalese, and the clock is ticking.
- You think you're just confirming your exit details, not signing away a potential lawsuit.
- The 'release of claims' clause is buried on page 3 in tiny font. You missed it.
- They told you the offer expires Friday. You signed it Thursday at 11pm because you were scared.
- You later learn a coworker in a similar situation got a $50,000 settlement. You signed for $8,000 and can't do anything about it.
Know exactly what you're waiving before you sign
We analyze your severance agreement in plain English. You see the specific rights you're giving up, the real dollar value of those claims, and what to negotiate—all in 5 minutes.
- We flag the release of claims clause and translate it into a simple sentence: 'This means you cannot sue for X, Y, or Z.'
- Our AI compares your agreement to 12,860+ past severance documents to find unusual or overly broad language.
- You get a clear list of what you're likely entitled to (like unpaid overtime or discrimination claims) that the agreement tries to block.
- You walk into the negotiation with specific language to counter, not just a vague feeling something is wrong.
How to not get screwed by your severance
It's not rocket science. It's knowing what to look for.
1. Don't sign anything yet
Seriously. Take a breath. You almost always have at least 21 days to review and sign. Use that time.
2. Get the actual agreement reviewed
Upload the PDF. Our AI finds the release of claims, non-disparagement, and confidentiality traps. No human lawyer needed for the first pass.
3. Negotiate from a position of knowledge
We tell you: 'This clause is too broad. Ask to narrow it to only claims up to your last day.' You now have the words to fight back.
We've seen this trap too many times
People who almost signed away their future
"I was gonna sign it. My boss was like 'take the money and run.' Legal Shell pointed out I had a solid age discrimination claim they were trying to bury. I got my severance doubled."
"The release said i couldn't work for a competitor... forever. In my state that's not even enforceable but they put it in anyway to scare you. Tool caught it in 2 seconds."
"i didnt even know about the 'confidentiality of the severance terms' clause. that means i couldnt tell my spouse how much i got? wtf. changed that real quick."
Your severance check is waiting. So is your future.
Don't sign a release of claims you'll regret for the next 10 years. Get the 5-minute analysis that tells you what you're really signing.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal matters.