How Can Social Media Harm Your Workers Comp Claim

It’s important to use caution when posting online so you don’t inadvertently hurt your workers’ compensation case.

Social media is a powerful tool. It can be used to connect with friends and family, stay up-to-date on current events, or even promote your business. And when you’re at home recovering from a work injury, social media can serve as a welcome distraction – it may help you forget about your pain, at least for a little while.

However, as much as social media may seem to help you heal, it can also hurt your workers’ compensation case. That’s because anything you post online, even if it’s just a seemingly innocent status update, can be used against you in court.

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Here’s how to protect your workers’ comp case from social media:

Don’t Post Anything About Your Injury Online

This includes pictures, status updates, tweets, and anything else that could be used as evidence. Even if you’re just posting something that seems harmless, it could be enough to give the insurance company ammunition to deny your claim.

Minimize the Amount of Personalized Content You Post While Your Case Is Pending

It’s generally a good idea to avoid posting pictures of you at the beach, check-ins at nightclubs, and posts about your fabulous vacation. Even if your injury doesn’t prevent you from doing these things, the insurance company may use them against you to claim that you’re not as injured as you say you are.

Be Aware of What Others Are Posting About You

Even if you’re not posting anything about your injury, your friends and family might be. It’s important to monitor what others are saying about you online.

Change Your Privacy Status Immediately

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites allow you to make your account private. If you’re in the middle of a workers’ compensation case, take advantage of this privacy setting. That way, only people you know and trust will be able to see what you’re posting.

Don’t Accept New Friends or Follow Unknown Accounts

You never know who could be working for the insurance company, and you don’t want them snooping through your private posts. So, be careful about who you accept as a friend on social media and only follow accounts that you trust.

Missouri Workers Compensation Attorneys

As you can see, social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to workers’ compensation cases. Therefore, it’s important to use caution when posting online, so you don’t inadvertently hurt your case.

If you have been injured on the job, the experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman can help. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about protecting your legal rights after a work-related injury.