While social media seems to make the world go round, taking a sabbatical from the online phenomenon is sometimes a good idea.
One source reports that Americans stare at the screens of their smartphones, computers, and other consumer devices for an average of six hours and 40 minutes daily. Spending that much time engaged with technology and disengaged from the people around you can have its drawbacks. Sometimes putting away your devices and staying away from social media can help you recalibrate and focus on what’s really important.
If you’re in the midst of a workers’ compensation case — or any legal proceeding for that matter — it’s a good time to take a sabbatical from social media. You don’t have to avoid it entirely, either. But limiting your access to social media might be in your best interests. You don’t want to run the risk of oversharing and jeopardizing your claim.
Consider these three reasons to take a social media break during a workers’ comp case.
1. Risks of Oversharing
During this age of social media, many people make the mistake of oversharing. But it’s one thing to provide a blow-by-blow account of what you ate for breakfast, and it’s another thing entirely to detail the nitty-gritty of your workers’ compensation case.
If you file such a claim, remember that your credibility will be under a microscope. Insurers and defense attorneys aren’t shy about monitoring social media accounts in search of any information that may contradict people who are filing workers’ compensation claims.
So, if you claim you hurt your back or hip on the job, are off work, and are pursuing compensation, you’ll have some explaining to do if you post video clips of a vigorous exercise routine or photos of you going on epic hikes.
Don’t assume that posting content solely for friends or family means your information can’t get into the wrong hands. It’s best to take a break from social media, or at least be mindful about what you share, until your workers’ comp case is over.
2. Emotional Reactions Can Backfire
One reason people should never represent themselves in court is that emotions can get in the way. A workers’ compensation case can be a long and stressful process — especially when the insurance company is pulling out all the stops and leaving no stone unturned to refute your claims.
When adding emotions to the mix, you might end up in a situation where decision-making is compromised. That’s one of the reasons why it’s said that a doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient.
Hire a lawyer and follow their counsel. While it’s best to give social media a break during your workers’ compensation case, be careful if you don’t want to make a clean break. Going on rants about your boss, the insurance company, or the situation in general won’t go well for you.
3. Digital Detox Can Support Recovery
Another reason to lay low on social media during a workers’ comp case is that it can facilitate recovery. If hurt at work, you may require substantial downtime. Spending all day staring down at a screen or sharing information that would better be kept private can throw a wrench into your healing process and maybe jeopardize your case.
Going on a social media sabbatical can give you the space to concentrate on other things — like getting more quality sleep, attending physiotherapy appointments, and spending quality time with family and friends.
During a workers’ comp case, your best bet is to focus on doing everything in your power to succeed. Hiring a good workers’ compensation lawyer is an essential first step since the right legal professional in your corner can increase your odds of a successful claim.
Reducing your social media use while the case is in process can be part of a plan to stay focused and avoid hurting your odds of success.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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