On behalf of Castrodale Law, LLC on Monday, July 16, 2018.
You recently suffered an injury on the job, and wisely filed a workers’ compensation claim. You have a lot of time on your hands now that you are laid up at home during your post-surgery recovery.
You want to keep your friends up-to-date on your rehab, so you post frequently on Facebook. But you may not know that those social media posts could be used as evidence against you in your pending workers’ comp case.
Consider who can see your feed
Employers, insurance companies and even private investigators are on the lookout for signs of fraud in cases like yours. Always assume that your social media posts are public, even if you take measures to protect your privacy. Your blocked profile is not completely foolproof.
Appearances can be deceiving
Before you post, you should ask yourself if your photos or comments could make you seem like you are not actually hurt — even though you are. For example, an insurance company could argue that you are healthy enough to help your friend move, so why aren’t you able to work?
Social media posts can be taken out of context in an attempt to discredit you in the eyes of an administrative hearings officer, jury or judge. This could result in the denial your claim for benefits.
Your future is worth more than “likes”
You have a lot at stake when involved in a workers’ compensation case. Your family’s finances and your ongoing medical treatment could be in danger if you lose. Why would you do anything to put that at risk? The smartest choice you can make is not posting anything at all.