2dr bench seat or factory buckets? Original seat covers? How did the rips happen? What kind of work was being done?
Any legal claims will need to have picture documentation AND repair estimates to put it back in "like kind quality" condition. Just the damaged fabric, not anything under it. Thsoe claims would then have to probably be presented in the local muncipal court (small claims court?). Can end up being more trouble/money than it's worth, which the shop owner probably knows already. Read the fine print on the repair order, with respect to shop liability of customers' vehicles while in their care, too. The other issue is that you'll have to prove negligence on the shop's part, which can be tricky, sometimes.
A side issue, if the upholstery is original to the car, is that fabrics age and "dry rot", but can still look pretty good. But if something happens "wrong", they are fragile enough to tear, rip, or shred.
IF the shop is one you've had good luck with over the past "time", then they might help you with the repair costs, AFTER you get it repaired. But that is a very highly variable situation! Any agreements need to be "in wriging" and signed by you, them, and a witness, and then dated.
I believe the seat back release knobs/buttons/levers startee with the 1968 models? Maybe '69? The automatic "push forward" situation was usually only on Imperials, Cadillacs, and such with power rh seats, but there migiht have been some non-power versions somewhere along the line, too?
Just some thoughts,
CBODY67