You’re stuck at home with an injury from work. Maybe you’re bored, scrolling through your phone, posting a selfie with friends or sharing a meme to lighten the mood. Such seemingly innocent actions can hurt your workers’ compensation case.
Employers and insurance companies in Florida often check social media activity, looking for evidence to deny or reduce your benefits. Here are a few things to know.
Your posts can be twisted or misunderstood
Some posts can be used to argue that your injury isn’t that serious. For example, that photo of you smiling at your cousin’s barbecue or a status update saying how great you’re feeling can be misconstrued to imply that you’re not in as much pain as you claim. Even comments from friends joking about your injury can raise red flags.
Private settings aren’t foolproof
You might think your posts are safe if your profile is set to private, but that’s not necessarily the case. Investigators have ways of accessing content that can be used as evidence against you in court.
Even likes and comments can get you in trouble. If a friend tags you in a video or comments about your weekend plans, it could give the impression that you’re not as injured as you say, and your credibility could take a hit.
Protect your claim by staying offline
If you suffered a workplace injury or are in the middle of a workers’ compensation case, silence on social media is golden. Focus on your recovery instead. Your health and financial security are worth more than a few likes or online validation.
The proper legal guidance through the workers’ comp claims process can help you understand what’s at stake and avoid blunders that could work against you.