How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury can be a very traumatic experience, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your social media posts, photos, and videos could affect your claim. Unfortunately, in today's society, everything is fair game when it comes to the internet– including potentially damaging information culled from social media.

It’s important to know how what you post online can impact your case if you are planning on filing a personal injury claim and how to avoid certain legal pitfalls that could prevent you from receiving fair compensation. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the ways social media can affect your case, both positively and negatively. We'll also offer some advice on what to do (and not do) regarding social media if you're pursuing a personal injury claim. Keep reading if you or someone you know has been injured and is thinking about filing a claim, and remember that our skilled personal injury attorneys at Reno & Zahm LLP are always here to have your back.

The Power of Social Media in the Courtroom

Social media has become an increasingly important factor in personal injury claims. Photos, posts, and videos from social media can have a huge impact in court. Whether it is used to support or discredit a claim, this material is routinely examined by lawyers and judges during the hearing of a personal injury case. Such material can make a significant difference to the outcome of a claim, which is why people involved in any kind of legal dispute involving a personal injury must be aware of how their online activities could impact their case. In such situations, hiring an attorney who will respond with understanding and compassion is always the best advice.

How Social Media Can be Used Against You in a Personal Injury Claim

Social media can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family; in some cases, it can even serve as substantial evidence supporting your personal injury claim. For instance, if you have been injured at work and someone posted a video of the incident on social media, there is a chance this video could be used to document your pain and suffering.

On the other hand, when someone is going through the process of filing a personal injury claim and attempting to prove their case, anything posted that differs from the story they’re presenting in court could be misconstrued, casting doubts on their credibility. Moreover, even if an individual doesn’t post anything during such cases, other people may post pictures or videos of them doing activities online that could weaken their argument.

Let’s go back to that work injury example for a moment. If you are involved in a personal injury suit claiming you were injured on the job, and someone later posts a video of you at a party, having a good time, your employer may argue that your injury has not significantly impacted your life.

It’s important to remember that social media can leave evidence behind that could be used against you in legal proceedings. That’s why you should always use caution when posting online during such times, and consult with your attorney if you have already filed a personal injury claim.

How to Protect Yourself Online Following an Injury

After an injury, protecting yourself online is vital to filing a successful personal injury claim. This means avoiding social media posts that include negative remarks about the incident or potential legal outcomes related to said incident. Additionally, it’s key to be mindful of any photographs or videos taken at the scene of an accident; you may not even be aware of it, but in the modern age, people always have their phones out, and constant posting is a reality of daily life.

In addition to these precautions, you should avoid giving out any confidential information that may jeopardize the outcome and success of your claim. The worst thing you could do is post out of frustration about your case, even if the feelings you are expressing are totally valid. Taking these steps will provide extra protection and reassurance as you navigate the complexities of filing a personal injury claim.

Hire an Experienced Attorney Before Posting on Social Media

There's simply no denying that posting photos, videos, and updates online have a tremendous effect on all of our lives. We’re not always mindful of how your posts may be perceived by others, and when it comes to personal injury claims, not considering what you are putting out into the world can have devastating consequences. What starts as a seemingly harmless observation can quickly become damaging evidence in court when taken out of context, and even greatly reduce the validity of your case.

To ensure what you are posting on social media is not used against you in legal proceedings, make sure to hire a skilled personal injury attorney. At Reno & Zahm LLP, our professional injury professionals have 100 years of collective experience, and are always here to advise you on matters related to your case, including social media and beyond. Contact us today if you have recently been injured, and let us fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call Reno & Zahm LLP now at (815) 987-4050, or click here to request more information online.

The blog published by Reno & Zahm LLP is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.