Social Media Can Affect Your Workers' Comp Case: Here's How...
Did you know that social media can affect your workers’ comp case? That’s right – your Facebook posts, tweets, and Instagram photos could be used against you in court. The legal team representing the other party in your workers’ comp case may use your content to show that you are not as hurt as you say you are or that you were not actually hurt at work. This could result in a lower settlement or even loss of benefits. Be careful what you post online, and make sure to consult with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer if you have any questions.
Social media posts can be used as evidence in your workers’ comp case
While posting on social media can be fun, you may want to think twice about what you post if you have an open case. Social media posts are admissible in court as evidence of your physical condition. This means that if you post photos or status updates that show you engaging in activities that are inconsistent with your workers’ comp claim, the other side may use them against you. For instance, if you say you can’t walk, but there are photos of you hiking with friends, this could be used to show that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Social media can be used to argue you were not hurt at work You have a right to privacy – but it’s not absolute
In addition to showing that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, the other side may also use social media posts to try to show that you were not actually hurt at work. For example, if you post about an injury suffered while playing a sport over the weekend, the workers’ comp insurance company may argue that this is the true source of your injuries and not an accident that occurred at work.
You have a right to privacy – but it’s not absolute
While workers’ comp claimants do have a right to privacy, this right is not absolute. In some cases, the workers’ comp insurance company may request access to your social media accounts in order to obtain evidence that contradicts your claim. For example, if you say you cannot work because of your injuries but there are posts indicating that you are physically fit enough to engage in activities similar to your job, this can be used against you.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you navigate your case
If you have been injured at work, it is important to consult with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who can help you navigate the workers’ comp system and protect your rights. Your lawyer can also help you understand how social media can affect your case and what steps you need to take to ensure that your content does not hurt your claim. Contact Rohan Law today for a free consultation
