Can Social Media Jeopardize A Personal Injury Claim?

For better or for worse, social media is a part of everything; even lawsuits. We use it to keep in touch with friends and family, share our experiences, and stay up to date on current events. However, while social media can be a useful tool, it can also be detrimental to a personal injury claim.

Bourassa Law Group operates in several states, and according to their accident and injury attorneys, a break from social media is the best way to protect your personal injury case as a plaintiff or defendant. They’ve helped many get the verdict they deserve, but anything can be used against you in court to discredit your claim or even your character. This has the potential to jeopardize your case and hurt your chances of getting cost-effective legal solutions.

Contradictions

Social media can harm a personal injury claim by going against it. For example, if you claim that you’re unable to work due to injuries, but your social media shows you participating in physical activities, this could cast doubt. On the other hand, if you make a statement about your injuries or the accident on social media that differs from what you’ve said in court, this could be used to discredit your testimony.

This isn’t something that’ll necessarily stand out to you, but opposing counsel will scour your story for any cracks.

Old Information

Your security online is highly questionable, even if your account is private. Many sites have terms of service that mean they can share your information with third parties. A liability insurance company or a law firm could find ways to access it and use previous posts to poke holes in your story.

Comparative Negligence

In several locations, like Las Vegas, Nevada, personal injury cases are subject to a comparative negligence system. If the claimant is determined to be at fault (as well as the defendant) then the settlement will be shared between both parties. Social media posts can also be used to show that the plaintiff was negligent in some way, which could reduce compensation.

This is something that only a personal injury attorney could identify, and since they’ll be building your case, you don’t want them to have the additional task of exploring your online presence.

At Bourassa Law Group, you’ll find a diverse team with an expansive skillset. From estate planning attorneys to asset protection attorneys, their firm has legal services for every personal injury case. To get in touch and start having your legal problems sorted, click here.