Why cant I post pictures on my Facebook profile? The insurance company cannot see my profile because its private. | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Navigating social media during a personal injury case can be a delicate matter, and understanding why you might encounter restrictions or advisories against posting pictures on your Facebook profile is crucial. Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid posting on social media while your personal injury case is pending.

Preservation of Evidence

In a personal injury case, evidence is paramount. This includes not only physical evidence like medical records and accident reports but also digital evidence such as social media posts. Posting pictures on Facebook could inadvertently provide opposing parties with information that contradicts your claims. For example, if you’re seeking compensation for a back injury but post pictures engaging in strenuous physical activities, it could undermine the severity of your injuries and weaken your case.

Privacy Concerns

Despite privacy settings, anything posted on social media platforms like Facebook has the potential to be accessed by unintended parties. This could include opposing counsel, insurance adjusters, or investigators working on behalf of the other party involved in your personal injury case. Even if you believe your profile is private, there’s no guarantee that your posts won’t be discovered or used against you.

Misinterpretation of Activities

Pictures posted on Facebook can be easily misinterpreted or taken out of context. Activities that seem innocuous to you may be viewed differently by others, particularly those with a vested interest in discrediting your claims. For instance, a picture of you smiling at a family gathering could be misconstrued as evidence that you’re not experiencing the pain and suffering you claim as a result of the injury.

Contradictory Evidence

Your social media posts could potentially contradict statements made during legal proceedings or medical examinations. If you claim to have limited mobility due to your injury but post pictures engaging in physical activities that suggest otherwise, it could undermine your credibility and weaken your case.

Pretrial Investigation

It’s common for opposing parties in personal injury cases to conduct pretrial investigations to gather evidence. This may include scrutinizing your social media activity to look for inconsistencies or information that could be used against you. Even seemingly harmless posts could be used to challenge the extent of your injuries or the impact they’ve had on your life.

Advisory from an Attorney

Personal injury lawyers often advise their clients to refrain from posting anything on social media that could potentially harm their case. This advice is given to protect the client’s interests and maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Following this advice can help mitigate the risk of inadvertently jeopardizing the case.

Focus on Recovery

Engaging in social media activity, including posting pictures, can be emotionally taxing and time-consuming. During a personal injury case, it’s important to prioritize your physical and emotional recovery. Posting on social media can distract you from this focus and potentially lead to additional stress or complications.

While there’s no outright prohibition on posting pictures on Facebook during a personal injury case, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences and exercise caution. Being mindful of how your social media activity could be perceived by others involved in the case and seeking guidance from a personal injury lawyer can help protect your interests and preserve the integrity of your case.