Social media has become a wonderful tool for self-expression and connecting with new people, enabling everyone to share their joys and passions with friends and family worldwide. However, even a seemingly harmless post can be used as evidence against injury victims. Maintaining credibility is everything, and if you’ve suffered an injury and need to pursue compensation, a qualified injury lawyer in Myrtle Beach is your best advocate. Attorney Matthew Breen of Lowcountry Law, LLC, is here to advise you on how to avoid the pitfalls of social media during a personal injury case.
Social Media Mistakes That Can Diminish Your Injury Lawyer in Myrtle Beach Case
Many people underestimate how damaging a casual post can be. One photo, one comment, or one check-in can contradict months of medical records and derail your entire case. Understanding the consequences of your actions on social media is the most proactive way to protect your rights after suffering an injury.
Contradicting Your Testimony
Social media can tell a very different story from your legal claim. For example, if you’ve told your doctor and attorney that you’re experiencing severe back pain, but you post a picture of yourself at a beach barbecue, it can raise questions. Even if you weren’t participating in any physical activity, just being at the barbecue might be used to challenge your statements about pain or physical limitations.
Minimizing Your Pain and Suffering
Defense attorneys frequently point out images that show you smiling, attending events, or enjoying hobbies. Their goal is to prove that your emotional and physical pain isn’t as bad as claimed. A happy post, even if it’s just an attempt to stay positive, can be shown in court to discredit your suffering.
Establishing a Timeline
All social media posts have timestamps. If your online timeline conflicts with your doctor’s notes, accident reports, or other legal documents, your credibility may come into question. Timing is incredibly important in injury claims, and inconsistencies, whether intentional or not, can weaken your case.
Admissibility in Court
You might think that private posts are safe. Unfortunately, they’re not. Courts have the ability to admit relevant content, including posts from private accounts, into evidence. If a judge finds your social media content relevant, the court will review it, present it in court, and allow the opposing party to use it.
In Forman v. Henkin, the court approved access to the plaintiff’s private Facebook account to obtain photographs and written postings, which were deemed necessary for the defense.
Legal Consequences of Deleting Content
Sometimes, once people realize how harmful a post might be, they are quick to delete it. Unfortunately, this can make the situation worse. Even before a lawsuit is formally filed, deleting content during an open case might be viewed as destruction of evidence if the victim anticipates filing a claim. That decision could lead to sanctions, fines, or other penalties, and it can cast doubt on your entire claim.
Tips From an Injury Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
Until your case is resolved, it is best practice to refrain from using social media. This includes:
- Avoiding posting about your accident, your recovery, your activities, or even your emotions. Anything you say, post, or are tagged in can be manipulated.
- Ensuring your account is set to private, but don’t rely solely on privacy settings to protect you. Defense teams often find ways to access this content. Additionally, don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Some investigators create fake profiles to view your posts anonymously.
- Being careful about being tagged in other people’s photos. Even if you didn’t post something yourself, being in a friend’s picture can be enough to raise doubts about your case.
If you’re unsure about whether something is safe to post, speak with your attorney first. An experienced injury lawyer in Myrtle Beach, like Matthew Breen, will help you navigate these issues with clarity and confidence.
Get the Support You Deserve With a Skilled Injury Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
Social media can unravel even the strongest injury claim. Before posting another photo or checking into a location, get the necessary legal guidance. When you work with Attorney Matthew Breen, you have a dedicated advocate at your side. He moves quickly to protect your claim and guide you through every detail, including what not to do online.
Let us help you build a strong, comprehensive case. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with a trusted injury lawyer in Myrtle Beach today.
