In today’s world, social media is a daily part of the lives of millions of people. Whether posting on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, many people think nothing of posting various photos and updates about what they doing at that particular moment. However, for those people who may be involved in workers’ compensation or disability claims, what are thought to be innocent posts and photos could actually do significant harm to their claims. Since an employer can deny workers’ compensation based on a number of factors, it is crucial those who submit claims make all the right decisions while the process plays out. One of the best ways to do so is by hiring the services of a skilled workers compensation attorney, who can then guide them through the process.

How Social Media Posts Can be Used Against You

Surprisingly to many people, social media posts can be used against them by employers and insurance companies in numerous ways, including:

• Finding posts suggesting injuries were caused by other activities
• Injuries happened earlier or later than originally claimed
• Finding photos or posts showing person is capable of working despite their claims

When many people take to social media sites to post photos or status updates, they fail to consider who may in fact be looking at their sites. While it may often just be their family and friends, those who are currently involved in workers’ compensation or disability claims can almost always be sure their employer, insurance companies, and possibly even private investigators are also scanning their sites to see what is being posted.

What are They Looking For on Social Media Sites?

When employers, insurance companies, and private investigators are looking at social media sites, they are seeking to find certain types of evidence. For example, they will look for status updates or photos that may indicate you are lying about or exaggerating the seriousness of your injuries. In other situations, they may be able to find information you have posted about your medical condition, such as discussing medical appointments online, to find out what doctors are saying about your condition.

What Can Happen to My Claim?

Should evidence of this nature be discovered, various things can happen. For example, your benefits may be stopped while your case is investigated. However, in a worst-case scenario, you may find yourself facing fraud charges and other criminal charges as well. Rather than let this happen, always rely on the advice of an experienced workers compensation lawyer during your claims process.

Avoiding Mistakes

To lessen the chances mistakes of this nature will be made, it is always best to take the advice of your workers compensation attorney and stay off social media as much as possible until your claim is resolved. Even the slightest mistake, such as posting the wrong photo or talking about what you think is an innocent subject, may in fact start the downfall of your claim. Therefore, always work closely with a knowledgeable workers compensation attorney from start to finish.