Video Transcript
Social media is something people really need to be careful with after an injury. Employers routinely look at Facebook pages and other social media sites to find information that could affect a workers’ compensation claim.
I’ve seen some employers try underhanded tactics. For example, I had a client who had undergone three back surgeries and walked with a cane. Before he was injured, he loved riding his Harley and had posted photos of himself and his wife on the motorcycle. His employer printed one of those photos and brought it to the hearing, claiming he had lied to his doctors by saying he could no longer ride and had sold his bike.
When we examined the evidence, we found that the photo was four years old—the date was right there in the corner once you zoomed in. I have to admit, I enjoy those moments in hearings when the truth comes out and the employer’s case falls apart. In that situation, it was likely someone in their office found the photo and thought they’d caught my client, but they were wrong.
Still, it’s a good reminder to be cautious about what you share online. Some employers will even hire people to follow injured workers, take photos, or record them—sometimes hiding in vehicles or showing up at fitness classes.
Now, if your doctor has approved activities like going to a Zumba class, that’s fine. But if you’ve told everyone you can’t move or lift anything, and you’re caught hauling heavy items around the yard, that can seriously hurt your case.
The bottom line: be careful what you post. Employers are watching, and social media can easily be taken out of context.
For more information about workers’ compensation claims in Ohio, contact Monast Law Office for a free consultation.
