It seems like almost everyone is on social media these days. In fact, over 75 percent of all Americans use social media, usually from their smartphone, and while having a smartphone on hand may allow us to take pictures and keep in touch with everyone that we know, it also can cause unnecessary headaches in personal injury litigation.
What You Share Matters
If you have been involved in an accident are involved in litigation to recover compensation for your injuries, you will be examined by the opposing counsel. Every facet of your claim, whether it be for physical injuries, anxiety, depression or loss of consortium will be questioned by those from whom you are seeking compensation. The opposing side will seek to disprove your claims and try to show that your injuries do not stem from the accident but from elsewhere; they will show that you were depressed and anxious before you became injured.
Lawyers used to have a limited source of evidence to dispute these claims, but with the advent of social media in the past decade they have an almost unlimited amount of evidence that they can rely on to derail a plaintiff’s injury claim. Anything that you post on the internet is admissible in a court of law. Every Facebook post that you share, every blog that you write, every photo that you share can potentially be used against you in your personal injury claim. Social media offers your opponents a long personal history and statements that can easily be twisted and turned against you.
Be Proactive; Protect Yourself
While it may be hard to unplug yourself from social media, it is always a good idea to limit what you do and say on the internet if you are involved in a personal injury suit. Specifically:
· Do not post anything about ongoing litigation or the accident that the litigation arises out of. These types of statements are prime targets for information that the opposition would like to have.
· Do not mention anything about your current health, recovery or feelings about your health. Updates on your health could conflict with statements presented to the court and can be used against you.
· Do not post about past injuries. Alerting the other side to preexisting injuries, even minor ones that did not require a doctor’s visit, could derail your current claim.
· Increase your security settings. Do not let people you do not know view your personal information and block people who could potentially share private information that you do not want revealed.
Get Proper Guidance
Seeking to recover compensation for a personal injury is a difficult process. Without the proper guidance and skills it can seem like almost an impossible task. Contact the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea today. We can help you avoid litigation pitfalls like this and provide you with the representation that you need.
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