3 Reasons to Avoid Social Media During an Active Claim
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information with the world. From posting updates about our daily lives to sharing our thoughts and opinions, social media has become an integral part of our lives. However, when it comes to an active workers’ compensation case, it is crucial to limit social media presence. In fact, it is essential to keep a low profile on social media during an active case for 3 main reasons.
Even if the accident was your fault, you could still be eligible for compensation.
1. Anything you say or do on social media can be used as evidence against your case.
Say you are claiming that your injury has made it impossible for you to work, but then post pictures of yourself engaging in activities that suggest otherwise. In that case, it could be used as evidence against you in court. For instance, if you claim that you cannot lift heavy objects due to your injury, but then post a picture of yourself lifting weights at the gym, it could harm your case.
Please note: What was once private on your account may lose its privacy protection due to discovery or a subpoena.
2. Anything you post on social media can be easily accessed by insurance companies and their lawyers.
Insurance companies and their lawyers have access to a wide range of resources that they can use to investigate your workers’ compensation case. This includes searching your social media accounts for any posts that could be used to discredit your claim. If they find anything that contradicts your claim, they will use it to try and disprove your case.
An insurance adjuster ensures that the insurer only has to pay for expenses covered under their policy. Remember that a workers’ compensation case cannot affect future employment and your employer should never deter you from filing a claim. If you have any questions on whether your case is eligible for compensation, contact a trusted attorney to walk you through the process.
3. Social media posts can create a negative perception of you in front of the judge or arbitrator.
The perception of your character is crucial in a workers’ compensation case. If you post anything that portrays you as an irresponsible, reckless or dishonest person, it could harm your case. Even if your social media posts are entirely unrelated to your workers' compensation case, the insurance company's lawyers may try to use them to discredit your character.
Keep in mind that anything you post on social media is permanent. Even if you delete a post, it may have already been seen by someone who could potentially use it against you. Once something is posted on social media, it becomes a part of your digital footprint—and it can be accessed by anyone with the right tools and resources.
Play It Safe on Social Media
Know your rights when it comes to filing a claim! By limiting your social media presence during an active workers’ compensation case, you are more likely to get the justice you deserve. Posting anything that could potentially harm your case, including photos, updates or comments, is not worth the risk. The best thing may be to avoid social media altogether while your Illinois workers’ composition claim is pending. If you must use social media, be careful about what you post and who can see it.
Always be mindful of the potential consequences of your actions and take steps to protect yourself during your workers’ compensation case. If you have any questions about your case, or are looking for an experienced Rockford workers’ compensation attorney to support your case, call Black & Jones at (815) 967-9000 or fill out this form to get your free consultation today.