Social media has many purposes. For example, social media is helpful to find old friends or make new ones. Likewise, it is used for business networking and even as a general news source.  Unfortunately, in the context of an injury, divorce or custody matter, some people use social media to vent their frustrations. Too often, these posts can be detrimental to their case.

Personal Injury

For example, when I was working as an insurance defense attorney I was involved in a case where a plaintiff in a motor vehicle accident was claiming continuing pain and discomfort in a surgically repaired shoulder.  As part of her claim she was alleging that she could no longer ride her motorcycle that she loved.  After a thorough search of her social media presence online I discovered several intriguing posts on her Facebook page.  In one post she professed that her injuries suffered in the accident had completely resolved. And, in another, she described driving her motorcycle 100 mph a few months after her accident.  During her deposition I confronted her about her posts, catching her and her attorney off guard.  The case ultimately settled for less than it was worth due to her online disclosures.  

Divorce & Custody

Just as the plaintiff I described in the personal injury matter ultimately hurt her case by sharing too much information on Facebook, so too can an online disclosure hurt a divorce or custody participants case.  Photos and status updates regarding alcohol or drug use or threatening messages to your child’s other parent or spouse can be used in Court proceedings to undermine your case.  In important phrase that can be applied to any legal matter and is equally applicable online as it is when someone is arrested is “what you say can and will be used against you in a court of law”.

If you have questions regarding how social media can affect your personal injury, divorce and custody matter contact us. We will provide a free, no obligation case evaluation.