Many of us live our lives online, sharing updates, pictures and stories with our family
and friends on social media – but what should you be concerned about if you are
currently pursuing a worker’ compensation claim?

Social media and workers’ compensation don’t mix, and if you are tempted to talk about
your experience online, there are a few things you need to consider before you hit
publish on your Facebook, X or Instagram.

For most people, social media is a highlight reel about the best parts of their life– not
indicative of real life. You might be using a filter, editing photos and leaving out pertinent
information about your injuries, because who wants to hear the
negative, right? However, your employer might take a post and use it against you –
trying to show you aren’t as hurt as you really are – especially if you are doing
something that raises eyebrows, like attending a sporting event, going to a party or
something physical and challenging.

It’s hard to tell on social media that you were having a good day that day, but spent the
next three days bedridden. Or that you smiled for a picture and then left to go home and
rest.

Looking at your profile, the world may see someone who isn’t as sick or injured as
they are saying – and that social media post could impact your workers’ compensation
benefits.
Even if you post without a picture, you could still be impacting your case, as comments
and posts without pictures or videos could be scrutinized by your employer.

Even though you may be struggling with boredom or isolation when you are sick or
injured with a work-related injury or illness, talking about it on social
media isn’t a great idea.
Even if you think your page is private or your content is harmless, it might not
be – and it could come back to haunt you.

Online activity may be examined by your employer or the Bureau of
Workers’ Compensation and can be used against you under Ohio law.
A highly experienced workers’ compensation attorney can advise you on best practices
so you get the benefits you deserve.

Connor Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP

If you or someone you love needs help navigating a workers’ compensation claim, we
can help. We have a qualified attorney for you. Contact us today.