Social Media & Personal Injury Claims: What You Need to Know
Social media has become a major part of our daily lives. We use it to connect with family and friends, share our thoughts and experiences, and keep up with the news. However, what many people fail to realize is that social media can also have a significant impact on personal injury claims.
In this blog post, we will discuss what not to post on social media if you're involved in a personal injury claim and how surveillance by workers’ compensation insurers can be used against you. We'll also provide helpful tips to ensure that your social media use doesn't negatively affect your personal injury claim outcome.
What Not to Post
It's important to understand that anything you post on social media can be used against you in a personal injury claim. This includes not only what you say but also any pictures or videos that you share.
For example, if you post a picture of yourself doing something physically demanding while claiming a back injury, it can be used to discredit your claim. Even seemingly innocent content can be used against you in some instances, as the opposing party may try to twist what is happening to fit their arguments.
You should also avoid making any comments or posts that might suggest that you were at fault for the accident. Even innocent statements like "I should have paid more attention" or "I wasn't feeling well" can be twisted and used against you.
Tips for Safe Social Media Use
To protect yourself and your personal injury claim, it's important to be careful with your social media use. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Don't post anything related to your injury claim. This includes details about your medical treatment, discussions with your lawyer, or any updates on your case.
Be mindful of the pictures or videos you post. Avoid sharing anything that might contradict your injury claim.
Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts. Consider making your account private so that only your friends and family can see what you post.
Be cautious when accepting friend requests from people you don't know. Insurance investigators have been known to create fake profiles to gain access to your social media accounts.
Seek legal advice. If you're involved in a personal injury claim and have concerns about social media use or workers’ compensation surveillance, it's important to seek legal advice. A personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Workers’ Comp Surveillance
Workers’ compensation insurance carriers often use surveillance to investigate claims. They may follow you or hire independent investigators to observe your daily activities. If they catch you doing something that contradicts your injury claim, they can use it to deny your benefits.
For example, if you claim that you're unable to work due to severe back pain, but are filmed lifting heavy objects, it can be used against you. Or if you claim that you can't stand for long periods of time but are filmed dancing at a social event, it can also be used against you.
It is also important to note that the opposing counsel may be inclined to have a private investigator tail you. If they notice posts that seem to diminish your injuries or contradict your claims, they may seek proof.
Consult with Our Attorney
Social media can be a powerful tool for staying connected with loved ones but can also have unintended consequences. If you're involved in a personal injury claim, it's important to be careful with what you post and who can see it. Remember, anything you post can be used against you, so it's better to err on the side of caution.
When you retain our services, Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law can help protect you from damaging surveillance. Our attorneys can also help you collect evidence, establish liability, and develop a personalized case strategy to help you maximize your compensation and minimize your liability.
Call (505) 219-2176 today.