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In this modern, digital era, the world is changing at a rapid pace. As the way we communicate has shifted drastically within the past decade, so, too, has the way insurers investigate workers’ comp claims.
Now, these parties may dig through your online activity to unearth any proof that could be used to deny you benefits. As such, you will need to be vigilant about what you post online, as anything—from photos and videos to comments and reviews—could be used to challenge your credibility.
In most cases, it’s best to deactivate your profiles for the duration of proceedings. However, if this isn’t possible in your situation, here are a few tips for using social media while your workers’ comp claim is pending:
1. Never Discuss Your Injuries
As your employer’s insurer can use your posts as evidence to challenge your claim, anything you post online could become ammunition to deny you benefits. Even seemingly unrelated comments, videos, and pictures could sink your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. In most situations, it’s best to avoid posting until your claim has been resolved.
2. Ramp Up Your Privacy Settings
By default, most social media accounts are open for anyone to see, making it easy for your employer and their insurer to keep tabs on your activity. Fortunately, tinkering with your settings will let you limit access to only approved friends and followers. Once you’ve taken this step, make sure you screen any connection requests carefully as you may unknowingly give an opposing party access to your feed.
3. Ask Friends and Family to Avoid Tagging You in Their Posts
While dialing up your privacy settings will give you an added layer of protection against prying eyes, there are still many ways for someone to circumvent these settings. For instance, if friends or family tag you in their comments, pictures, and videos, others will be able to see what you are up to. As such, you should ask loved ones to abstain from mentioning you on their feeds as this could draw attention to your activities. Most social media websites will also let you adjust your settings so that you can approve or deny any tags before they are made public.
4. Skip the “Check Ins”
Sites such as Facebook now let you “check in” when you arrive at a new location. While this is an easy way to broadcast your whereabouts to keep friends and family in the loop, these updates will also make it easier for the workers’ comp insurance company to track your activity.
Unfortunately, while your claim is pending, evidence that shows you left your home for any other reason than attending follow-ups, physical therapy sessions, or to undergo treatment may be used to dispute your claim. As a rule, you should abstain from “check ins” for the duration of proceedings.
Discuss Your Case with a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Atlanta
Were you injured on the job? Steering clear of social media is just one of many steps you might need to take to avoid hurting your chances of obtaining fair compensation. At Moebes Law, our legal team can help guide you through proceedings, providing tenacious representation at each stage.
Our founding attorney Michael Moebes was recently named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Georgia by National Trial Lawyers. Contact us today at (404) 354-5432 or by sending us a message through our Contact Page to request a free case review with a Georgia workers’ comp attorney.
