Injured at Work? Use Social Media with Caution!

proceed with extreme caution.   All Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace posts should be kept private from anyone not on your approved friends list.  Disregard any friend requests from unfamiliar parties.  Refrain from posting any information about your accident, claims for benefits, medical treatment, or litigation.  Double check your privacy settings and make sure your personal information is protected.  If possible, avoid using social media at all until after your claim has been resolved.

Earlier this year, an Arkansas Appeals Court ruled that photos posted by Zackery Clement to Myspace could be used as evidence against him.  The photos were instrumental in the denial of his medical treatment and related workers’ compensation benefits.  The photos showed Mr. Clements out with friends, drinking beer, and socializing, which provided some contradiction to his claim of being in pain from an injury at work.  Source.

The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation has also issued an order in at least one case, stating that Facebook posts were discoverable.  The injured worker may wish to reassure family members that they are doing fine after an accident to keep them from worrying, never realizing that such a statement can be taken out of context by defense counsel and used against them.

Always be aware of any information you choose to share with an internet audience.  If you have been injured at work or in a car accident, before you update your Facebook status, call The Hendon Law Firm at (770)284-3737.