Payment Claim Barred by Accord & Satisfaction Doctrine
This scenario comes up a lot: an amount owed under an invoice is disputed and the debtor mails in a check for some lesser amount with a letter stating the payment is made "in full satisfaction" of the invoice. This case affirms the general principle that, by depositing the check, the creditor waives its right to sue for the difference. While certain exceptions are noted in the decision, the general rule is caveat depositor.
