A worker who is seeking workers’ compensation for an injury should strongly consider staying off of social media until their claims process is fully resolved.
It is common for attorneys representing insurance companies or employers to search social media platforms for evidence that can be used to dispute a workers’ compensation claim. By refraining from social media activity, an injured worker can better ensure that their case remains strong.
Avoiding temptation
If you are, understandably, struggling to steer clear of social media while your workers’ comp claim remains pending, keep the following motivations in mind:
- Preserving Credibility: Insurance companies and employers often scrutinize the claims made by injured workers. They may attempt to undermine the credibility of the injured worker by monitoring their social media activity.
- Misinterpretation of Posts: Social media posts can easily be misinterpreted or taken out of context. A seemingly harmless picture or comment can be misconstrued to imply that the injured worker is not as injured as they claim or that they are exaggerating their symptoms. Even innocent activities or hobbies can be used against the worker, suggesting that they are not truly disabled or unable to work.
- Privacy and Surveillance: Sharing personal information or details about the injury on social media platforms can compromise the injured worker’s privacy. Insurance companies may hire private investigators to conduct surveillance on claimants, and social media platforms provide a readily accessible source of information. By staying off of social media, the injured worker can better protect their privacy and limit the amount of information available for scrutiny.
Overall, staying off of social media while seeking workers’ compensation can help to safeguard your credibility, privacy and emotional well-being, as well as the strength of your claim. It can be a tough undertaking but one that is worth your effort.
