Social media platforms provide convenient and fun spaces to share opinions, connect with others, and stay updated on current events. However, careless use of your social media account, such as logging on to discuss a pending personal injury court case, could result in disaster. In this case, the most significant threat to your case is someone looking for information to weaken your claim.
Using Your Social Media Account Against You
Injury settlement cases cost insurance companies lots of money year-round. One job of an insurance adjuster is to reduce the total payout of a settlement as much as possible or even void the claim entirely. To do this, they gather extensive information about you, much of which comes from scrutinizing your social media profiles.
Insurers will try to dig up any dirt they can, and they’re often successful when the injured party makes questionable comments on a public profile. Opposing attorneys rely on this strategy as well. When investigating your social media account, they’re typically looking for:
- Activities you’re engaging in that contribute to your injury or interfere with medical treatment.
- Information related to your claim you wouldn’t want the other party to know
- Posts that show you smiling or enjoying life despite the severity of your injury
- Consumption of alcohol or other substances or participation in risky behaviors
Ultimately, injured individuals with otherwise solid cases are often surprised when they’re left with huge medical bills and a denied claim.
Protecting Yourself on Social Media
A general rule of thumb is to never discuss your claim with anyone other than your personal injury legal representative. Even a seemingly innocent comment to a trusted family member is no longer in your control once it’s in someone else’s hands. As for social media, here are some tips to protect your privacy and safeguard your personal injury claim:
- Never discuss your case on social media or any online platform.
- Don’t post photos, audio, or any media related to the incident.
- Avoid posts about your health or any health updates.
- Don’t post about any recreational or social activities.
- Check the privacy settings on your account and enable them.
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. They could come from insurance adjusters or someone from the other party’s lawyer.
- Regularly check for posts you’re tagged in.
Trusted Guidance from Your Injury Attorney
It can never be overstated that your attorney should be the primary point of contact for all things related to your claim. If you need to talk about your claim with someone else, always ask your lawyer first! At Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co., we’ll work with you on your claim every stem of the way, and we’ll do all we can to strengthen your case and maximize your settlement. Contact us today at 513.721.6500 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.