Louisiana has a way of turning ordinary days into community moments, from porch-side conversations to big weekends that fill the streets. After a crash on I-10, a slip in a Baton Rouge store, or an accident on the job, that same close-knit energy can make it tempting to share updates online so people know you are okay. However, in Louisiana, personal injury claims often hinge on credibility, with the internet providing a long-lasting memory for the opposing side.
A smiling photo at a family gathering can look like proof you are not hurting. A quick comment about “feeling better” can read as a full recovery. People may even misinterpret a check-in, a tag, or a joke, questioning your injuries or their impact on your daily life. Many people use social platforms every day to post about what is going on in their lives. It is worth talking with Galloway Jefcoat before a single post creates doubt. Posting online comes with unanticipated consequences, especially in personal injury claims.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Social media platforms make it easy for people to interact with one another. It allows you to keep your friends and family updated through posts, photos, and comments. However, those same posts can pose problems for a person seeking to make a personal injury claim. Insurance agencies and rival legal advisors may watch public profiles for anything that contradicts the complainant’s or insured individual’s case. The other side can misinterpret and use seemingly innocent updates to undermine your case in court.
Contradicting Claims with Online Content
A single photo or status update can raise questions about the severity of an injury. So, finding photos of you doing a specific physical activity could suggest that your injuries were not very severe. Even a flippant remark that you are feeling better can undermine a case. Those who are attempting to minimize a victim’s suffering will benefit from such remarks.
Privacy Settings Provide Limited Protection
Some individuals find comfort in strict privacy settings, as they perceive their data as secure. Nonetheless, even private profiles leave you vulnerable. The courts can demand to see private messages or unavailable content if requested in the discovery phase of litigation. You can shield a protected post from the general public, but it might spread through friends. Privacy controls alone are not enough, and claimants may be lulled into a false sense of security.
Friends & Family Play a Role
Sometimes, comments from others are what damage a person’s case, even if the injured individual is careful. Friends may make supportive comments or suggest activities that contradict the claim. For instance, a well-intentioned comment may diminish the severity of an injury. Insurance investigators can see these third-party comments, which complicates narrative control.
Deleting Posts May Backfire
Perhaps removing suspect content is enough to fix the issue in the eyes of some. Deleting posts can seem like hiding evidence, which may lead to more scrutiny. This scenario is something you must avoid. The word “may” is crucial here; courts may sometimes interpret the removal of information as the destruction of evidence, thereby undermining the case. A transparent and communicative approach with legal counsel is a preferable risk management strategy for conducting online activity during the course of a claim.
Insurance Companies Monitor Social Media
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys regularly monitor the online activities of claimants. They search for discrepancies between reported injuries and updates posted online. These professionals dig up screenshots and archived posts and attempt to erode the credibility of the victim. By not sharing incessantly, one can prevent misunderstanding and safeguard a claim.
Best Practices for Protecting Personal Injury Claims
One of the common tips for protecting a personal injury case online is to be careful about what you post. Refrain from publishing information about the event, the healing process, or routines. Do not publicly discuss the claim or respond to negative comments. Consult an attorney before posting an update; any post could lead to big problems. In the middle of impending legal action, be sure to inform family and friends that discretion is necessary.
Conclusion
While social platforms are a place to share moments of life, they can be the greatest threat to a personal injury claim. Even innocuous content, privacy settings, or even comments of support can make for legal headaches. By exercising caution, limiting activity online, and engaging with counsel, one does the most to give oneself the best chance of a positive outcome. Ultimately, practicing mindfulness before posting can considerably improve the chances of receiving fair compensation for injuries.