Are you suing another party for personal or catastrophic injury? Your attorney will likely advise you not to use social media while the case is still ongoing. Why, though?
Social media is an integral part of life for many, but remember that the Internet is a public forum. The posts you make can be seen by a wide variety of people, including the defendant’s legal team. Learn how using social media can sabotage your personal injury case, and disconnect until your claim is settled.
Giving an Update
In the aftermath of your injury, you may be tempted to make a post letting your loved ones know that you’re all right. You may be alive and even mobile, but posting publicly that you’re doing fine after the injury can hold different meanings for different people. The person you’re suing can submit your post as evidence that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim it is.
Checking In
Are you accustomed to posting check-ins when you visit a new location? Those updates can be twisted to create a narrative you never intended.
Let’s say you broke your arm in a car accident that was the other driver’s fault. Perhaps you meet up with a friend at the café at your local gym and post an update to that effect. The other driver’s attorney can use that post to create reasonable doubt; after all, why are you at the gym if your arm is shattered?
Providing Potential Contradictions
Every post you make on social media can be used to poke holes in your credibility and find contradictions with your sworn testimony. Your personal or catastrophic injury suit can fail if your social media posts tell a different story than what you say in court.
You may not intend to contradict yourself when posting updates on social media, but don’t underestimate the shrewdness of the defendant’s legal team. Defense attorneys make an excellent living by damaging plaintiffs’ credibility on the stand.
If you wish to maintain the integrity of your personal injury claim, avoid using social media until the case is completely closed and settled. Your posts can hurt your case in ways you never intended, so the safest course of action is to stay quiet.
