No agreement, composition, or release of damages made before the happening of any accident, except the agreement defined in section 34:15-7 of this title shall be valid or shall bar a claim for damages for the injury resulting therefrom, and any such agreement is declared to be against public policy. The receipt of benefits from any association, society, or fund to which the employee shall have been a contributor shall not bar the recovery of damages by action at law or the recovery of compensation under article 2 of this chapter (s. 34:15-7 et seq.).