Social Media Can Affect Your Workers' Comp Case: Here's How...

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.

 

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.

 

                                                                        

 

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.

 

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