How Social Media Posts Can Hurt Your Disability Insurance Claim

Let’s imagine you sustained injuries which prevent you from working, so you filed a claim under your disability insurance policy. You are following all the rules and taking the necessary steps, but one day you post something simple on social media, maybe a picture of a family barbecue, a vacation, or a selfie.

It is a harmless action, right? Unfortunately, it might harm your case, as the insurance company may use the post against you. Insurance companies are notorious for doing everything they can to minimize or deny compensation payouts. This means they will look for any reason to question your claim, and social media platforms have become one of their favorite tools.

Even if your post has nothing to do with your health, they might still use it to argue that you are not as injured or disabled as you say you are. If you post a picture of yourself smiling, they can use it against you as proof that you are fine. Something as trivial as your friend tagging you at a restaurant could raise doubts about your condition.

The best thing to do when you file a disability claim is to stay off social media. This article will discuss why this is the best choice. We will also explain how insurance companies can use your social media posts against you and how you can protect your claim. If you or a loved one has already posted something that could hurt your disability claim, don’t worry; we can help. If you haven’t, we can guide and support you throughout the legal process.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney From Leverty & Associates Law?

At Leverty & Associates Law, we know that even the slightest mistake, like a simple social media post, can hurt your disability claim. That is why when you hire us to represent you, we will provide expert legal guidance to help protect your rights and build a strong case. Our experienced attorneys have profound knowledge and understanding of how insurance companies and opposing lawyers try to use social media and other tactics against you.

We will work tirelessly to prevent these strategies from weakening your claim. With more than 50 years of experience handling personal injury and insurance cases, we know what it takes to win. When you hire us, you will get a lawyer and a dedicated team to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today at (775) 322-6636; we offer a free initial consultation.

We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.

How Social Media Impacts Disability Insurance Claims

Filing a disability insurance claim means asking an insurance company to compensate you because you cannot work.  However, insurance companies do not want to pay more than they have to; they might not even want to pay, so they look for reasons to deny your claim or reduce the compensation. One of the easiest ways they can do this is by checking your social media accounts and using whatever they can against you.

Even if you think your posts are harmless, insurance companies can twist the narrative and make it seem like you are not injured or as disabled as you say you are. The following ways are how they do it:

Taking Your Posts Out of Context

Insurance companies do not always look at the whole story. Let’s assume that you have a back injury, and you post a picture of yourself hiking on one of your social media platforms. Even if that photo was taken years before your injury, an insurer might use it as proof that your back doesn’t hurt. They might also try to say that it was a pre-existing condition or that you are just exaggerating your condition to get compensation.

Finding Contradictions in Your Claim

Suppose you told the insurance company you are in too much pain to work or carry out daily activities, but then you post pictures from a party, vacation, or event. In that case, they might say that since you are well enough to engage in those activities, you should be well enough to work. The insurer may use those posts to challenge your claim.

Using Your Friend/Family’s Posts Against You

Even if you do not post anything yourself, your friends or family might tag you in photos or posts without your knowledge. If a friend or family member posts a group picture with you in it, the insurance company might say you were out socializing; therefore, you cannot be that disabled.

Looking at Your Comments and Check-Ins

A simple comment like “That was fun!” on a friend or family member’s post, or maybe checking in at the gym, could raise suspicions. The insurance company might argue that if you can go to the gym, travel, or attend events, you are not as disabled as you claim to be.

How to Protect Your Claim

When filing a disability insurance claim, you should be extra careful with your social media activity. Below is what you can do to protect yourself:

  • Stay Off Social Media if Possible. The best way to avoid trouble is to refrain from posting anything while your claim is being reviewed.
  • Make Your Accounts Private: Although making your account private will not stop insurance companies from seeing your posts, it can make it harder for them to find information about you.
  • Be Mindful of What You Share: Even a simple post about feeling better one day can be used against you, so try to avoid posting updates about your health as much as possible.
  • Tell Your Friends and Family to Be Careful: Tell your friends and family members not to tag you in posts or photos while your claim is ongoing. Ensure they understand the gravity of doing otherwise.
  • Do Not Talk About Your Claim Online: Do not post details about your case, lawyer, or insurance company on social media. Even a private message can sometimes be accessed, and this can happen because the court can give the insurance company permission.

We will prioritize your case and fight tirelessly for fair compensation.

Get the Help You Need From Leverty & Associates Law

Legal cases can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through them alone. We will provide clear advice, strong representation, and personalized legal support to help you avoid common mistakes like social media missteps that could hurt your case. If you are unsure of what to do or say, our Leverty & Associates Law lawyers are here to help. Contact us today at (775) 322-6636 to protect your case and get legal advice.

Attorney Patrick Leverty

Attorney Patrick LevertyWith his master’s in insurance law, Patrick routinely helps individuals and businesses who are having issues with their insurance company. He also has extensive experience with personal injury actions, complex tort actions, product liability matters, and class actions. Patrick Leverty is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell (the highest rating) and has been granted membership in the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum. Patrick Leverty has been certified as a Personal Injury Specialist by the State Bar of Nevada. [ Attorney Bio ]

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