My Legal Aspirations

For as long as I can remember, the legal field has always fascinated me. While my friends watched sitcoms and cartoons, I chose to watch courtroom dramas and real life trials unfold. There was never really any question as to what I wanted to be when I got older. The only profession for me was that of a trial lawyer. Unfortunately, a serious car accident several years ago changed all that. Now, my injuries prevent me from leaving my home most days. However, my love for the law has never went away. While I may not be able to realize my dreams of becoming a trail lawyer, I still wish to help people with their legal problems. That is why I decided to start this blog. It is my hope that the information contained in these pages will help other accident victims like me when filing their personal injury claims.

Don't Let Social Media Impact Your Workers' Comp Claim

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Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites are part of the lives of millions of people. These platforms provide information, support, and validation just when it's needed the most. When it comes to a work-related injury, hurt workers should think twice before taking to social media. To find out why that is and how to avoid harming your case, read on.

Obtaining and Keeping Workers' Compensation Benefits

First, your claim must be approved so that you can receive the initial benefits. Those benefits usually include the payment of medical treatment along with a disability payment if the hurt worker cannot return to work. At some point in the process, the worker may be medically evaluated to determine the extent of their injury and to gauge the potential for permanent injuries. If they are found to be permanently injured, they could be offered a lump-sum settlement by the workers' compensation insurer. Finally, when a claim is denied at any point in the above process, workers have a right to appeal the ruling. Unfortunately, it can take time to go through the appeal process with its numerous hearings and required mediation sessions.

How Social Media Can Hurt a Claim

Any time that what the hurt worker says about their injury doesn't mesh with the postings and photographs shown on social media, it's a problem. You cannot claim to be too hurt to work while posting photos of you enjoying a boat ride. You may not have intended to commit fraud. Many hurt workers need fun and relaxation. However, be aware of how it might look to fraud investigators with the workers' comp insurer. To avoid ruining your chances to be paid the benefits you need, follow these tips:

  1. Take a break from social media while you have an active claim. Make contact with friends in person, and speak to a mental health practitioner if you need support.
  2. Many hurt workers need a workers' compensation lawyer to help them with their claims. Fortunately, your lawyer keeps everything you say and do confidential. Social media, on the other hand, is far from private.
  3. If you plan to use social media occasionally to post anything non-injury-related, check and double-check your privacy settings.
  4. Alert your friends and loved ones about posting about you online. Ask them to avoid mentioning you or the work injury.
  5. Never post about the injury, your medical treatment, your workers' comp claim, etc. on social media.

If your claim has been suspended or denied for any reason, speak to a workers' comp lawyer. They understand the complexities of workers' comp laws and can help you get your claim approved and your settlement paid.

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27 September 2021