Jun 4, 2018
How Does Social Media Affect My Workers’ Comp Claim?
After you’ve been in a workplace accident, you may want to post on social media to let friends and family know how you are doing. However, this may have legal ramifications. In order to protect your workers comp claim, it is important to stay off social media until you have received a settlement.
Social Media Is Public Record
Under current laws, social media posts are counted as public record. This means anything you post may be used against you in court. Insurance adjusters will often comb through social media accounts looking for signs of fraud. They will use your social media posts to try to undermine your claim.
For example, if you post on social media that you feel fine after a workplace accident, but you are now seeking compensation for an injury that appeared days later, the insurance company may use your post to dispute your claim. They may say that your injuries are not as bad as you claim, or that they didn’t occur while you were at work.
Insurance companies will also use posts made by your friends and family to dispute your workers’ comp claim. For example, if your friend posts a picture of you dancing at a party when you are seeking compensation for a serious neck injury, the insurance company may use this picture to deny your claim, even if the picture was taken before the accident.
All social media platforms are subject to investigation by insurance companies, including, but not limited to:
- Google+
- Dating websites
Tips to Protect Your Workers’ Comp Claim
The best way to protect your workers’ comp claim is to stay off social media entirely. If you do post on social media, at least ensure your privacy settings are at the highest level to deter insurance companies. It is also a good idea to tell your friends and family to avoid posting anything about you until the case has been closed.
If you have been injured at work, Hansford McDaniel LLC is here to help. Whatever your situation, our Atlanta workers’ comp attorneys will discuss your options, answer your questions, and aggressively uphold your right to a settlement. Contact our firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.
