Social Media & Personal Injury Lawsuits
In our high tech world, most people utilize one form of social media or another. What we see and post on social media impacts our lives more than we may realize. Twitter and Facebook posts can even be used in a court of law as evidence. Increasingly, these platforms are documentation of cyber stalking, bullying, harassment, and even corroboration of more serious crimes. What about personal injury claims?
Invisible Injuries
Some injuries are invisible, like the impact on mental health. Personal injury cases typically include claims of emotional distress, trauma, and various negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. If a plaintiff is able to prove that their physical and mental health as well as lifestyle have diminished due to an injury, they may collect damages. Defense lawyers will undoubtedly comb through your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook posts to prove the contrary.
Defense lawyers collect evidence in many different ways. They will interview your employer, friends, family, and neighbors. Along with witness accounts, and evidence of the incident, testimony of personal injury is essential when taking your case to court. Social media posts may also be referenced by defense attorneys to prove that an individual is not as injured as originally implied.
Sharing Negative Posts About the Defendant May Backfire
If you have been injured due to carelessness or possible criminal behavior, you have a right be feel enraged. However, taking to social media and criticizing the defendant may actually backfire. Additionally, most people post positive things on social media, which can also be a red flag. This can give a jury as well as judges the impression that the plaintiff is not really suffering. Though these tactics may seem unfair, these are strategies that defense attorneys regularly use in personal injury lawsuits.
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To learn more about personal injury claims, schedule your consultation today. Contact Us at (316) 685-2245.