Social Media Can Complicate Personal Injury Claims

 Posted on July 16, 2015 in Personal Injury

The social media explosion in the last decade has created vast, new environment for sharing stories, pictures, and information with family, friends, and even complete strangers. It can certainly be a lot of fun to jump on Facebook after or during an exciting adventure and to share the experience. Before you click the “post” button, however, it is important to keep in mind that, if you are currently pursuing a personal injury claim, the things you post to social media sites—to borrow from the Miranda warnings—can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Appearances Are Important

When you have been injured in an accident, you have every right to get back to the enjoyable activities of daily life. For many, of course, this involves the frequent use of social networks. However, it is absolutely vital for you to realize that social media posts can very easily be taken out of context and presented in a manner that makes you seem much less credible. In addition, your posts, when spun by a defendant’s attorney, can make your injuries appear less severe than the reality.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident, your lawsuit may claim that your quality of life was severely impacted. As your claim is ongoing, you and your family spend a day at an amusement park where, despite your limitations, you are able to enjoy a ride or two. If you post pictures from the day on social media, you may risk those photos being used without context as evidence that your quality of life was minimally affected by the accident.

Legal Guidance for Your Case

After an injury, medical professionals are equipped to help you recovery physically. Protecting your rights under law, however, is the responsibility of legal professionals like the team at Martoccio & Martoccio. Contact our office today and an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer will meet with you to discuss your case. We will work with you to ensure you understand your options and the potential impact of social use. When you have been injured, you deserve a lawyer who will fight for you and that is what you can expect from our law firm.