Our post for today comes from our colleague Brody Ockander of Nebraska.
More than likely, you’re on Facebook if you are reading this. If you are not, the chances are very good that you know a close friend or family member who is on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.
Most of us never think twice about what we post on these social media sites. However, depending on the privacy settings of your profile, anyone may be able to see the status update on your wall, the photo of you at a wedding, or whatever job you are currently in. That “anyone” could be the defense lawyer or insurance adjuster if you are currently involved in a Workers’ Compensation action.
Depending on your privacy settings, anyone may be able to see the status update on your wall, the photo of you at a wedding, or whatever job you are currently in.
“What do I have to hide?” you ask. Well, often times these status updates, photos, or wall postings may be misunderstood or taken out of context. For example, a status update stating “Just got done mowing the lawn” might not look very good to someone that is off work for a back injury, and it would be hard to explain that even though you mowed the lawn, it took you two pain pills to do so and caused you extreme suffering later that night that you couldn’t even sleep the price you paid in mowing that lawn.
Here’s what you can do to avoid some pitfalls from Facebook:
- Adjust your privacy settings so that only your “friends” can see your status, wall, and photos.
- Go through your friends and make sure you recognize all of them. If you don’t recognize someone, don’t be afraid to “de-friend” him or her.
- Don’t “friend” someone you don’t know.
- Just be careful what you put on Facebook or other social media sites to begin with. Remember: whatever you put on your Facebook always has the possibility of being seen by someone whom you don’t want to see it.
Brody Ockander represents injured people at the firm of Rehm, Bennet & Moore in Nebraska. He also represents clients on matters ranging from employment disputes to wrongful death. Like all attorneys at Rehm, Bennett & Moore, he represents plaintiffs and does not work for the insurance companies.
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