Why You Should Be Careful on Social Media During a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Social media has become a part of many people’s everyday lives. If that sounds like you, chances are you already posted about your injuries. There are some reasons you may want to take the post down and stay away from social media for a while if you’re in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit. The following are some reasons you should be careful about sharing too much during this time.

There May Be People Paid to Search Your Accounts

Perhaps it’s the defense attorney, an investigator or the insurance claims adjuster. In any case, there are probably individuals who have been paid to investigate you. They are looking for a history of personal injury claims and dramatized accidents you may have been in. They are looking for evidence to show you have been less than honest about your injuries. They will look through your friend lists, check their accounts and see what they are posting about you. Some social media posts and information that may make your claims less valid include:

• Comments about feeling better or being able to do more and more as the days go by.
• Pictures of yourself doing things that someone with your type of injury wouldn’t be able to do.
• Joining groups that focus on things like exercise, sports or other activities that you couldn’t do while being injured.
• Geo tags that show your location, particularly if you’re on vacation or a location that could aggravate your injury.
• Comments that give details about your case.

The Insurance Company Could Twist Your Words

Say you had a post that said “It feels great to get out of the house,” with a picture of yourself smiling in the car. While you know you were just on your way to a doctor appointment, the insurance company could twist it to show your claim of “I’m in so much pain I can’t get away from the house” isn’t exactly accurate.

You Could Lose the Settlement for Saying Too Much

When you’re in the middle of a lawsuit, you may have a clause in your agreement stating you can’t discuss the case until it is settled. This means you can’t give generic information, discuss your injuries, post a picture of your injuries, talk about any participants in the case, give hints as to how much the settlement will be or anything similar. Suppose your friend contacts you on social media and asks you how you’re feeling. You might comment a simple, “My back still hurts a lot, but my leg is feeling better,” and that could be enough for you to lose your settlement without realizing you made that mistake.

Reach Out to a Lawyer

Any time you are injured, it’s a good idea to reach out to a lawyer. Contact experienced Elizabeth, NJ personal injury lawyers, such as from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., so you can learn more about the dangers of social media while in the midst of a lawsuit.