Keeping workplace injuries off social media

Whether posting on Twitter or scrolling through Facebook, social media is an integral part of many people’s lives. There are times when it is a good idea to refrain from using these platforms. For example, victims of workplace injuries might want to be careful with how they use their social media in the time following their accidents.

Set profiles to private

Unfortunately, some North Carolina employers and insurers are not eager to help injured workers and will fight to discredit victims’ claims. If a victim is planning to make a workers’ compensation claim, then he or she should consider changing privacy settings to make social media profiles private. This will prevent strangers from gathering potentially damaging information.

Refrain from posting about the incident

Even if a profile is set to private, it is still better to keep certain information off social media. Victims who want to share updates about how they are doing should consider sharing directly with loved ones and friends. Just a few things one should consider keeping off social media include:

• Pictures of the injury
• Information about hospital stays or medical treatments
• Statements about how the injury affects daily life

Work injuries can — and often do — derail victims’ lives. Even a seemingly minor work-related accident can lead to missed workdays, lost wages and hefty medical bills. Since securing benefits through North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is one of the best ways to address these damages, it is important to be mindful in how one approaches social media after an accident.