Not only can a slip-and-fall accident cause painful injuries, but it may also leave you seething at the owner or management of the premises where it happened. You are entitled to feel this way and you should be able to vent, but it is important to refrain from doing so in a manner that hurts your case.
Social media has become a popular forum for people to share their feelings and frustrations with the world. The problem is, that this information could fall into the wrong hands. Ultimately, social media posts can harm your legitimate claim, making it difficult for you to receive the compensation you are entitled to. Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent this.
Keep tabs on your pages
Many people are unwittingly tagged in posts or videos each day. This means that personal information about you can become public without your permission. A friend may share your outrage over what happened, tagging you in a post to show support. If the post shares photos, videos, or detailed statements, they could be used against you in court. There is likely to be no benefit of this and carefully monitoring your pages means you can stay on top of the content that is accessible.
Check your settings
There are ways that you can make your social media pages more secure. Privacy settings can significantly decrease the content that outsiders have access to. Nonetheless, such measures cannot fully guarantee that information does not fall into the wrong hands.
FAQS About Social Media & Slip-and-Fall Cases
What kind of social media posts can harm my slip-and-fall case?
Social media posts that can harm your slip-and-fall case are those that contradict or undermine your injury claims. Examples include posts showing you engaging in physical activities that are inconsistent with your alleged injuries, posts indicating you were in a different location or participating in an event at the time of the incident, or posts suggesting you are exaggerating your injuries.
Should I delete my social media accounts during my slip-and-fall case?
Deleting your social media accounts entirely may not be necessary, but it is advisable to be cautious about what you post. Adjusting your privacy settings to limit access to your posts and refraining from posting content related to your case or physical activities that could be misconstrued is a prudent approach.
Can the defense access my private social media content in a slip-and-fall case?
In some instances, the defense may attempt to gain access to your private social media content in a slip-and-fall case. They may request access to relevant information or posts through the legal discovery process.
Should I inform my attorney about my social media activity in a slip-and-fall case?
Yes, it is essential to inform your attorney about your social media activity in a slip-and-fall case. They can guide you on what is appropriate to post, advise you on adjusting privacy settings, and help you understand the potential impact of your social media presence on your case.
Can social media surveillance be used to dispute my slip-and-fall claim?
Yes, social media surveillance can potentially be used to dispute your slip-and-fall claim. Insurance companies or defense attorneys may hire investigators to monitor your social media activity, looking for evidence that contradicts your claims
Why take the risk?
If you have no social media presence, then it cannot be used against you. Legal disputes do not last forever, and it might be worth considering whether posting on social media is worth it at all throughout the duration of your case.
You deserve to be compensated fairly for your injuries suffered during a slip-and-fall accident. Having a firm grasp of your legal rights in Virginia will assist with this process.