In today’s world, many people have no boundaries when it comes to their personal lives and their social media platforms. From documenting your lunchtime snack to seeking recommendations for a doctor, there is nothing too personal for the eyes of the digital space.
But what happens when a status update or post about your recent slip and fall negatively influences your legal claim? Can a simple post hold that much weight in your case?
Understanding how your social media usage can impact your slip-and-fall case could be the difference between compensation and denial.
Keep reading to learn more about the impact of a too-personal online presence from one of the leading personal injury law firms near you!
Can Social Media Be Used Against You in a Slip-and-Fall Case?
You may have heard that the information posted on the internet is forever – privacy settings or not. Investigators can access just about anything posted on the internet and may gain further access if a subpoena is issued.
Here are some of the most common ways that your online presence can be used to undermine your slip-and-fall case.
Oversharing
While posting about your recent slip and fall injury may seem harmless, it can actually create a false account of the nature of the incident. Details, photos of your injuries, or updates on your recovery process can misconstrue the narrative and give evidence of doubt rather than a fair case.
False Reality
Social media often has the power to convey a false sense of reality – and one that can be used against you in your case. A photo of you dancing at a party may express that your slip and fall injury is not as severe as previously claimed.
It’s Your Fault – or At Least Partially
South Carolina follows the comparative negligence doctrine, which states that fault can be assigned to each party based on percentages. For example, a plaintiff can be considered 20% at fault, which means they would be responsible for 20% of the damages.
Social media posts, comments, or tags could be used to place more fault on you in the legal proceedings, reducing your overall compensation.
Think Before You Post: Protecting Yourself in a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit
Posting an update on your injuries – or even just a casual photo – may have unintended consequences as you navigate the aftermath and recovery of your slip and fall accident.
Here are a few steps your slip and fall lawyer at Hoffman Law Firm may recommend, so you can protect yourself on social media and in the courtroom.
Check Your Privacy Settings
Although nothing can be fully protected on the internet, checking your privacy settings can still help in keeping unwanted visitors away from your profile. Ensure that your profile isn’t open to everyone by setting it to “private” and going further into the platform’s settings to adjust where you see fit.
Keep Your Case Off Social Media
It may be tempting to talk about your accident on social media, but it may end up causing you more harm in the process. As stated above, posting an update or photo can lead to factual disputes, potentially ruining the credibility of your case.
Sometimes the “Who” is More Important Than the “What”
Oftentimes, it’s not what you post that presents the problem – sometimes, it’s who you are sharing the information with. Are your “friends” able to share the information on their platforms? Can their “friends” share their feeds? Even if your profile is set to private, it can create an unwanted snowball effect.
Always Think Before You Post
In the midst of a slip and fall injury, it can seem harmless to post a photo of yourself laughing with your friends or out for a bite to eat. However, these photos can be used by the opposing party to show that you aren’t really suffering from your injuries.
Keep Your Private Life Out of the Public Eye: Key Takeaways
Slip-and-fall accidents can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed, especially in the midst of a legal battle. While social media may present itself as an escape, it can filter into your reality and provide issues for your lawsuit moving forward.
Our experienced slip and fall attorneys near you understand the challenges in a case of this nature and want to ensure that you are receiving the compensation you deserve. Our goal is not only to help you navigate the legal aftermath of an accident but to ensure you leave feeling confident in your recovery and case.
Remember these key takeaways as you move forward with a slip-and-fall case:
- When in doubt, don’t make the post or share the photo
- Switch all social platforms to “private” as your case is active
- Consult a South Carolina personal injury lawyer about your specific situation and social media presence
Protect Yourself from Public Scrutiny with the Help of Hoffman Law Firm
The digital world can be a safe haven and a sentence in the midst of an accident. While it can be tempting to share your journey to recovery or engage in comments on your accident, some things are better left off the internet.
Located in Charleston, SC, we support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. Our personal injury lawyers here at Hoffman Law Firm have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases.
Plus, you only pay us if we win your case.
We have established a reputation for success, as well as great service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today.
