In today’s world, almost everyone seems to be on Facebook and other social media sites, sharing and talking about their life. But there’s one thing that you need to know if you have a personal injury case – do not post anything on Facebook about your personal injury claim and what you are going through.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence and are wondering the best way to proceed with a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we can help you assess your claim and guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
If you’ve filed a personal injury claim, you might be tempted to share your experience and updates on social media. However, staying off social media during this time is crucial for protecting your case. While social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, it can also become a double-edged sword in legal matters.
It is important to be mindful of the problems that can arise with Facebook postings and photos that your personal injury lawyer may not be aware of. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have seen various nightmare scenarios where, while a personal injury case is pending, a client or their spouse posts lots of pictures and makes lots of comments, some of which pertain to the health or condition of the person who has the personal injury.
As soon as a client retains our firm, we tell them not to post on any social media sites about their situation, condition, or health without consulting with us first because the insurance company, their lawyers, and investigators are searching your social media for any “evidence” they can use against you.
Many people believe their privacy settings will protect them from scrutiny, but this is often untrue. Insurance companies can use various methods to access your online activity, even if your profile is private.
Insurance adjusters frequently monitor social media for evidence to undermine claims. They may hire investigators to look into your online presence and find anything that contradicts your statements about your injuries.
Once something is posted online, it can be challenging to remove it altogether. Even if you delete a post, screenshots and archives can exist indefinitely, potentially surfacing during legal proceedings. If you have posted anything in the past that you think could be used against you, it is important to let your personal injury attorney know so they can be prepared if the other side tries to use these posts as evidence against you.
Any post or photo that can be interpreted as contradicting your claim may provide grounds for the insurance company to dispute your case. They may argue that you’re exaggerating your injuries or that your lifestyle post-accident doesn’t align with your claims of suffering.
Social media posts can be used as evidence if your case goes to trial. For example, a photo showing you engaging in activities that are inconsistent with your injury claims could weaken your accident case significantly.
Insurance companies may be less willing to negotiate a fair settlement if they find damaging information on your social media profiles. They may use social media findings to justify lower settlement offers or even deny your injury claim altogether.
If you have been injured because of the negligence of another party or parties, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure you receive the treatment you need. You should also document all details related to the incident, including dates, times, and witnesses.
The next step is to call 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated personal injury lawyers. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have obtained more than $100 million in settlements and awards for our clients and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
In today’s world, almost everyone seems to be on Facebook and other social media sites, sharing and talking about their life. But there’s one thing that you need to know if you have a personal injury case – do not post anything on Facebook about your personal injury claim and what you are going through….
Charitable immunity extends from the common law principle that organizations and individuals should not be punished for attempting to do good.
Virginia leash laws may require you, the dog owner – while on your property – to keep your dog under control. This means that your dog is confined to the house, a dog pen, on a secured leash, or under some form of immediate voice control. If you take your dog for a walk and off the property, you must put your dog on a leash or under immediate voice control. It is best to have the dog on a leash. The law does not automatically apply everywhere as the localities, city or county governments, must decide if the want to implement it. Some rural counties in VA do not choose to make all canines stay on leash which can lead to problems like dogs chasing cars or threatening pedestrians on public roads.
Virginia laws allow plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases to claim compensatory economic and noneconomic damages, as well as punitive damages in certain circumstances.
Compensatory damages are compensation for the person’s injuries and losses. These injuries and losses include the bodily injuries; the impact of these injuries on the person’s health and function; physical pain; mental anguish; inconvenience; medical expenses incurred in the past and likely to be incurred in the future; loss of earnings and lost capacity to earn; and property damage. Some of these damages are quantifiable but mental anguish and pain and suffering are not.
Punitive damages are recoverable in very limited circumstances. They are awarded make an example of the defendant that is intentional or so reckless as to demonstrate a willful disregard for the rights of others. The actual payment of punitive damages is relatively rare.
Typically you see these in a case involving a DUI with high levels of intoxication.
The answer is usually no. The law in Virginia does not transfer liability to the owner of a rental property for a tenant’s animal. However, it might be a good idea to require your renters to have get renters’ insurance, which is like home owners’ insurance, but for tenants. Then, the insurer will take care of paying and defending any claims for injury or death caused by pets at the apartment building or house.
Furthermore, Virginia follows the law commonly referred to as the “one bite rule.” This means the dog owner is shielded from civil liability the first time each of his or her animals attacks another individual, if the attack was not intentional or due to negligence. For example, if the owner caused the dog bite by breaking a leash law, then that person could be held legally liable. If the animal was known to have dangerous propensities, the owner can sometimes be held responsible for even the first time it breaks skin.