The Impact of Social Media on Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Social media is part of everyday life. People share updates, photos, and thoughts without a second thought. But if you have a workers’ compensation claim, social media can hurt your case. Insurance companies and employers may use your posts against you. What you share online can affect your benefits.

What do you need to know about posts on social media and workers’ comp?

How Insurance Companies Use Social Media

Insurance adjusters look for reasons to deny or reduce claims. They may check your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. If they find something that contradicts your injury claim, they can use it as evidence.

For example, you claim a back injury prevents you from working. But you post a picture of yourself lifting weights at the gym. The insurance company will argue you are not as injured as you claim. Even a simple photo of you smiling at a party could raise questions.

Privacy Settings Won’t Protect You

Many people think setting their profiles to private will keep them safe. That is not true. Insurance companies can still find ways to see your content. They may use fake accounts or request access from one of your friends. Courts may also allow them to access private posts if they are relevant to your case.

Common Social Media Mistakes

Here are some common social media mistakes that can hurt your claim:

• Posting about your injury: Even innocent comments can be twisted against you.
• Uploading photos or videos: Anything that shows you active can be used to question your claim.
• Checking in to locations: If you check in at a gym or a vacation spot, it may seem like you are not injured.
• Responding to messages: Insurance investigators may send you messages pretending to be someone else.
• Letting friends tag you: Even if you don’t post, others can tag you in posts that hurt your case.

Best Practices for Social Media During a Claim

If you have a workers’ compensation claim, take these steps to protect yourself:

• Avoid posting about your case: Do not share details about your injury, claim, or recovery.
• Limit social media use: The less you post, the less investigators can use against you.
• Ask friends and family to avoid tagging you: This prevents unwanted exposure and people seeing things that could be misinterpreted.
• Adjust privacy settings: While not foolproof, restricting access can add some protection.
• Be careful with new friend requests: Investigators may try to connect with you online.
• Monitor what others post about you: If someone tags you in a post that could hurt your case, ask them to remove it.

Bottom Line

What do you need to know about social media and workers’ comp?

Social media can damage your workers’ compensation claim. Insurance companies will look for anything to question your injury. Even a simple post or photo can put your benefits at risk. The best approach is to stay off social media until your case is resolved.

If you have a workers’ compensation claim, you need legal guidance. The team at ShugarmanMehring can help protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.