Social networking sites such as Facebook have become a seemingly indispensible part of people’s lives today. We open up our private lives to the world and write about where we’ve been, whom we were with, and where we’re going next. We share photos of birthday parties, vacations, and concerts. What most of us tend to forget is that everything and anything posted online may be found by just about anyone with a computer and an Internet connection.
This is why it is highly advisable for a victim with a pending personal injury claim or lawsuit to stay away from social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter until his or her case has been resolved. Anything you post on these sites can be used against you. Even posts that seem innocent or seemingly harmless can be taken out of context and jeopardize your case. For example, posting a photo of you smiling at a dinner party with friends may be used to show that the injury you are claiming is exaggerated or non-existent.
This also applies to what other people post about you. So, it is advisable to tell your friends and family to refrain from mentioning you or posting any video or photos of you until your case has been resolved. More and more judges are making evidence found on the Internet acceptable in court, and attorneys are also using these sites to help build their case. Google has become a valuable tool in helping attorneys for plaintiffs and defendants look for any evidence that they think may help make or break a case.
Even though many of these social networking sites have privacy controls, they are changed frequently and sometimes your posts or photos are not as private as you may think. It is always in your best interests to keep off such sites when you are involved in a personal injury claim. However, if social media venues including Facebook and Twitter are ways of life that you cannot give up, here are some are some tips you should follow to protect yourself. Do not talk about your injury online or post photos. Always assume everything you put on the Internet can be seen, even if you have set privacy controls. Do not post any photos or videos. Always post with caution. Never let your guard down.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm fight hard to ensure that our clients’ legal rights and best interests are protected. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York construction accident, please call our offices at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with all personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com