Sometimes it seems like social media is an ever-present part of our lives. If you find yourself involved in a personal injury case, however, you may be wondering if you need to stop using it. This question is actually more complicated than you might think. You can learn everything you need to know on this matter by reviewing this simple guide.
Can Social Media Hurt Your Case?
So the big question is whether or not there’s any truth to the claim that social media can hurt your personal injury case. The fact of the matter is that it is entirely possible that it can. There have been instances of people posting on social media and the post ends up being used as evidence against them in court. This is a real thing that can happen to you.
However, things are not that simple. Social media is not necessarily an issue in every case. For the most part, social media only factors into your case if you are hoping to receive compensation for general compensatory damages. In other words, if you are pursuing compensation for pain and suffering, or other non-financial losses, you may need to avoid social media during your case.
The opposition may be able to use a social media post to demonstrate that your suffering is not as severe as you would lead the court to believe. The classic example is someone claiming to be in crippling pain, while posting images on social media depicting them going for runs or doing jumping jacks. Your case might not be this straightforward, but the prospect is the same.
Talk With Your Lawyer
The most important thing for you to do is to communicate with your lawyer. Your legal representative will be able to tell you whether or not you have to avoid social media. Whatever your lawyer says, you should follow completely.
However, there is one thing you should never do no matter what. Never make social media posts about your case. Even if your lawyer says it is okay to post to social media, it can only hurt your case to mention it online. Even if you think what you have to say is harmless, it can have unseen consequences. The best practice is to simply never mention anything about your personal injury case on social media. Even stating that you are involved in one, or mentioning its existence in passing, can do damage. If you are ever unsure, speak with your personal injury attorney in Scottsdale, AZ.
Thanks to Yearin Law Office for their insight into personal injury claims and avoiding social media.