Social media can be a great way to connect with old friends, blow off some steam or just kill some time, but it also has plenty of downsides. If you’re not careful, what you share on these social media sites can affect your workers’ compensation or injury claim, so don’t just assume that it’s private because you shared it on your personal page. Below, we take a look at some things you should be wary of when it comes to social media and your injury case.
Injury Claims and Social Media
Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to social media and your pending injury case.
Assume Everything You Post Is Admissible – Even if you set your profile to private or “Friends Only,” conduct yourself as if everyone, including the insurance company or the workers’ compensation judge, can see everything you post. Avoid talking about specifics of your case or venting about frustrations, because they can easily be accessed and used against you in court.
Activity Limitations – If you are seeking compensation for a neck injury, don’t post pictures of you horseback riding or spending a day at an amusement park. Even if you didn’t ride any of the rides, it can be hard to prove that you didn’t if you have a status about “taking the kids to Valleyfair this weekend.” Before posting, ask yourself if what you’re about to share could help to build the insurance company’s case that your injury is not as severe as you claim it is.
Avoid Talking About Money – We understand that you may want to vent about the cost of your medical bills or discuss how much your potential claim may be with your friends, but avoid doing it on the internet. Posts can be taken out of context and can be misconstrued by friends, family and the insurance company. Keep the financial details private.
Make Your Account Private – As we noted above, making your account private doesn’t mean that anything you share is inadmissible in court, but securing who can view your profile and posts can make it harder for the insurance company to build a case against you using your social media posts.
Avoid Specifics, Or Your Whole Case If Possible – Finally, be sure to avoid posting specifics about your case on social media. If you share details on social media and they contradict what was said in the official injury report, it can cripple your case. If you have to talk about it, be as general as possible. Even better, avoid talking about the case altogether until you get a final judgment.
If you have any questions about your social media posts or what you should do about your accounts now that you’re filing an injury claim, reach out to Hey Workers today. We can also help file the injury claim on your behalf. Contact us today for more information.
