If you have recently sustained physical harm as a result of your job or work-related activities, chances are very good that you’re entitled to file for workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your harm. In the event that your claim is processed successfully, you should receive coverage for your medical bills, a portion of your lost income and other qualifying expenses.
With that being said, there is no guarantee that your claim will be processed in your favor. Technical mistakes and a host of other challenges could impact your ability to receive benefits. Additionally, it is even possible that your social media activity could compromise the strength of your claim.
What’s social media got to do with it?
Social media platforms are public. As a result, unlike email, telephone records and texts, insurance claims adjusters and attorneys generally don’t need a subpoena to view someone’s activity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Therefore, these actors increasingly rely on evidence obtained from social media to undermine the strength of workers’ claims for workers’ comp benefits.
Anything that you post on social media until your claim is fully resolved could be used to undercut the value of your workers’ comp benefits or used to deny your claim entirely. Even seemingly innocent words and pictures – if taken out of context, misinterpreted or manipulated – could be used against your case. Therefore, to be safe, avoid social media until your matter is complete.
Staying off social media isn’t easy. But, especially if your claim is for any significant amount, your future self may thank you for being cautious because you’ll retain your ability to receive the full amount of benefits that you’re owed.
