Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have become a part of our daily lives. We use these platforms to share our day-to-day activities, connect with friends, and express our opinions on different issues. However, when it comes to workers’ compensation claims, it’s essential to be extremely careful about what you post. Sharing too much information on social media can potentially damage your case.
1. Access to Information
It’s no secret that insurance companies and employers are always on the lookout for information that can be potentially harmful to your case. They can utilize social media to gather information about you and then use this information against you to reduce or deny your claim. Even if your social media account is set to private, someone connected to your case can access your information, including your posts, pictures, and videos.
2. Inconsistent Statements
If you post something on social media that contradicts what you’ve said in your claim, it’s likely to raise red flags. For example, if you make a claim for a lower back injury and then post a picture of you on a ski trip, the insurance company or employer may argue that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim it to be. These inconsistencies can hurt your credibility and the strength of your case.
3. Social Media Investigations
Many employers and insurance companies have investigators who look into workers’ compensation claims by using surveillance footage from social media accounts. They’re looking for evidence that the person claiming benefits has not been truthful about their injury. Therefore, one should avoid posting anything, as even the simplest of posts could be misinterpreted.
4. Posting Advice
Posting about your employer, colleagues, or coworkers can be harmful to your case. For instance, if you post something complaining about your employer or comment on a friend’s post who has a similar injury, it could affect your claim’s outcome. Insurance companies can use your statements about the company against you, suggesting that your injury wasn’t a work-related accident.
Sharing Less Means More Protection
Social media and a pending workers’ compensation claim don’t mix. Insurance companies and employers will do anything within their power to discredit the case and reduce their payout. Therefore, it’s important to avoid posting anything that could be potentially harmful to your case.
Helping Injured Workers Receive Fair Compensation
Remember, anything you post on social media is public, no matter how private you believe it is. By hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can avoid social media blunders and ensure that your claim is not jeopardized. An attorney will help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
At Glauber Berenson Vego, we make it our mission to help our clients secure their needed benefits. Learn more about how we can help with workers’ compensation claims or schedule a consultation by calling (626) 605-2450 or visiting our website.