diff --git a/clientside_validation.module b/clientside_validation.module
index 92f37f2..dda0ce7 100644
--- a/clientside_validation.module
+++ b/clientside_validation.module
@@ -1591,6 +1591,7 @@ function clientside_validation_settings_load($cvs_type = NULL, $cvs_formid = NUL
       $res['settings'] = drupal_array_merge_deep(clientside_validation_settings_load_defaults(), $res['settings']);
     }
     else {
+      $res = [];
       $res['settings'] = clientside_validation_settings_load_defaults();
     }
     return $res;