How Can I Avoid Damaging My Personal Injury Case?~2 min read
Your personal injury attorney needs your cooperation while your case is pending. You are likely unaware how certain actions you take may result in a reduction in the damages you collect or a complete dismissal of your claim. At Springer & Lyle, we have some tips for how to avoid damaging your personal injury case during the time your claim is pending.
Some basic instructions all attorneys will give you are to avoid talking to any insurance claims adjuster without either consulting your attorney or having your attorney present. You should also avoid minimizing your injuries when talking to friends. Anything you say to a family member or friend can later be used against you in the case.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
One of the most important things to avoid is posting about your case or your injury on social media. A Utah man learned that the hard way when he posted a video of himself pushing a boulder down a hill in a Utah state park.
Just a month before this great achievement, he had filed a personal injury lawsuit claiming a severe back injury caused him pain and suffering, loss of joy of life, and rendering him completely disabled. Shortly after the posting of the video on Facebook, the defendant filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing the act of pushing the boulder showed the man was not really disabled. The court granted the motion and the bragging man lost his case.
Specific social media postings to avoid include:
- Any aspect of your case that you discussed with your attorney.
- Any information about your medical condition, doctor visits, treatment, or prognosis.
- Be careful with any photos. Photographs do not tell the story behind the picture and can be easily misconstrued, whether they are related to your claim or not.
- Do not allow friends to tag you in photos.
- If you get a friend request from someone you do not know, do not accept it.
- Never post any photos or content that presents you in a negative light.
- Do not post anything you would not want to be seen by a prospective employer.
Even if you think you have adjusted your privacy settings so only those you select can see your posts, it has become common knowledge that anything posted on social media can become public information.
The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you obtain the reasonable compensation you are entitled for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and impairment, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940-387-0404 for a free consultation.
