Q: Concerned about coworker changing agreement on bumper scraping incident in Georgia

A: Your verbal agreement concerning the bumper damage appears legally enforceable under Georgia law, as it contains all essential elements of a valid contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent. The payment of $400 and your coworker's confirmation of satisfaction constitutes what Georgia courts recognize as "accord and satisfaction" - the discharge of a claim through acceptance of agreed compensation. The presence of two witnesses significantly strengthens your position, as Georgia case law has established that third-party testimony regarding verbal agreements carries substantial evidentiary weight when disputes arise about settlement terms.

While verbal contracts are enforceable in Georgia, the absence of written documentation creates potential vulnerability within the four-year statute of limitations for property damage claims under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31. Without a signed release waiver, your coworker technically retains the right to pursue additional compensation, though Georgia courts typically view acceptance of payment as strong evidence of settlement finality. Your prompt acknowledgment of responsibility, immediate payment, and witness corroboration create a compelling defense against future claims.

We recommend taking proactive documentation steps by creating a contemporaneous memorandum detailing the incident, agreement terms, payment amount, confirmation of satisfaction, and witness names. Consider sending a friendly follow-up email to your coworker summarizing your understanding of the agreement and requesting confirmation that the matter is resolved, which would create additional documentation. Georgia courts have consistently held that while written releases provide optimal protection, properly documented verbal agreements with payment acceptance and witness corroboration generally remain binding, particularly in minor accident scenarios where insurance companies were not involved.