How Social Media Can Affect Your Wrongful Death Claim

Social media is a significant part of many people’s lives. According to research, over 62% of the world’s population uses social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow people to share moments, opinions, and personal stories with a wide audience. However, social media can present significant risks for people involved in legal matters. For example, if you are facing a wrongful death claim, posting on social media can be detrimental to your case. The things you post online can be used as evidence against you, potentially affecting the outcome of your case. Understanding how social media can affect your wrongful death claim is crucial for navigating the claims process successfully.

How Social Media Can Impact Your Wrongful Death Claim

Social media can impact your wrongful death claim in several ways. The defendant’s insurance company or attorney may monitor your social media to find things they can use against you. As one may be aware, it can be easy for information to be used in the wrong context. For example, while you may be deeply struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, specific posts or pictures may not reflect that. Such posts or activities could be taken out of context, used to attack your credibility, or used to present a defense. Likewise, inappropriate, offensive, or provocative posts may also be used for the same.  Such posts can be harmful if your case goes to court since jurors can be influenced by their perceptions of your morality and behavior.

Social media can also hurt your wrongful death case if you communicate with other people involved in the case, including witnesses. For example, if you message or comment on a witness’s post, it could be seen as an attempt to influence their testimony. The defense attorney may claim witness tampering or improper influence. This could weaken the integrity of your case.

Steps for Protecting Your Claim

Given the potential risks social media poses in a wrongful death claim, you must take proactive steps to protect your rights. The following are some tips for avoiding situations in which social media can hurt your wrongful death case;

• Stay off social media entirely (if possible) until your case is concluded.
• Set your social media accounts to private. However, this option is not foolproof.
• Ask your friends and family not to post anything concerning you or tag you on posts.
• Be cautious with what you post and avoid posting things that can be used against you

Deleting content might seem like a good move, but doing so can harm your case. Doing so may result in additional claims being brought against you for “spoliation of evidience.” Therefore, any posts, comments, or otherwise must be preserved. Before making any decisions about removing content online, ensure you consult your attorney.

Contact a Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, our skilled Columbus wrongful death lawyers at the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., LLC can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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