At the Mancini Law Group, P.C., our personal injury attorneys in Chicago thoroughly explain to each of our new clients and remind our existing clients who are in the middle of their cases how important it is to properly navigate the legal process to pursue the best outcome for their unique compensation needs.
One of the biggest points in that process is using social media wisely during your recovery.
And we are not the only ones. Divorce lawyers, criminal defense attorneys, and even bankruptcy law firms advise their clients against the hazards of social media posting behavior, as any sign of impropriety can dismantle their cases without notice.
Here is why.
Your Privacy Settings Mean Very Little to Insurance Companies
While everyone uses social media differently, whether it is to keep up with long-distance family members or old friends, or to post pictures of every meal, though, or expression, the privacy settings are not as secure as one might think.
That means the insurance company will probably actually, more than likely find a way to see what you are saying about your personal injury case and overall recovery.
Keep in mind, if people are losing their jobs, marriages, and credibility because of social media posts, why not their personal injury cases?
Not sure how that would affect your Illinois personal injury case?
If our Cook County personal injury lawyer worked tirelessly to build your case and is negotiating with the insurance company regarding your overall financial compensation needs based on the severity of your injuries and you post a picture of you and your friends dancing, we are going to have a problem.
Looking for a lesser example? Posting a simple comment that you are “Feeling great!” or are “Skipping today's physical therapy appointment (to do something else instead)!” or “Going to lunch!” will all lead back to the insurance company as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as we have presented.
It is important to know that insurance companies will do everything they can to undervalue or deny your insurance claim, including monitoring your online activity, missed medical appointments, and any physical activity for an opening to do just that.
That means they will search for a picture of you or physically have an investigator follow you enjoying a walk through your neighborhood without your crutches.
No matter how secure your settings, your social media account can become a large part of your personal injury case's collapse.
So, how do you avoid it? Pause all social media use until your case is settled.
Why You Should Pause Your Social Media Use When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Tik Tok (or any other) is best left unused during your personal injury claim.
Posting a mere statement about how you are feeling, a picture of you smiling, or even an emoji can be taken out of context, misinterpreted, and manipulated by the insurance company or opposing counsel to damage your chances of successfully pursuing financial recovery from the negligent party that caused your injuries.
Pause your accounts, and remove the apps from your phone, tablet, or another electronic device to avoid the temptation of posting altogether. It could save your case overall, so you can access the financial recovery you need to get your life back on track.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney at Mancini Law Group P.C Now
If you or someone you love has been injured by the negligence of another in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys at Mancini Law Group P.C by phone at 773-745-1909 or online to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case today.
