Social media has allowed people to connect with friends and family members across the world. You can now see updates to people lives with the click of a button. But, it’s important to remember that it’s not always only friends and family members that see what’s going on in your life.
For example, if you call in sick to work but then end up posting pictures of yourself at a baseball game in the middle of the day, you risk having someone at work find out about it. Along similar lines, if you claim an injury and you receive money based on that injury, it’s a good idea to keep your physical activities offline. Just ask a woman who lost her injury payouts once her insurance company noticed her exercise records online.
Sharing Information Online Can Have Unintended Consequences
The Danish woman, whose name wasn’t disclosed, had been posting her workout records online using a fitness app named Endomondo. The problem was that she was claiming payments from her insurance company since 2008 for a whiplash injury. Once the insurance company noticed the data relating to her workouts posted online, it decided to slash her payments.
This incident is being publicized by 3F union, a Danish trade union. It stated investigators from the insurance company used the workout records from the fitness app to prove that the woman wasn’t actually unable to work. The insurance company also used other postings and photos the woman posted online to build a fraud case against her. The union used this case to warn its members to be mindful with their personal data as it can be used against them in unexpected ways.
If you’re involved in an injury lawsuit, there are certain common sense social media rules you should follow. Be sure to ask your attorney for advice before sharing data with apps or on social media.
Related Resources:
- Find Personal Injury Lawyers in Your Area (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
- Accident and Injury Law (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Should Your Injury Lawyer Have Trial Experience? (FindLaw’s Injured)
- ‘Joke’ Gun Violence Threats on Social Media Will Get You Arrested (FindLaw’s Blotter)