Being injured and bringing forth a lawsuit can be a traumatic experience. It’s a natural impulse to seek out the sympathy and advice of family and friends. Yet, did you know that commonplace things like posting on social media, ignoring medical advice and appointments and discussing your case with others can have negative consequences for your lawsuit? If you find yourself involved in litigation, there are some important safeguards you can take to avoid mistakes that ruin lawsuits.

To win your lawsuit, understand what not to do

There are so many concerns in the immediate aftermath of an accident that it can be difficult to keep track of what you should be doing to help your legal case and what missteps might put you at risk for losing your lawsuit. The following are four mistakes that could prevent you from having an opportunity to recover the financial compensation you are rightfully due:

Mistake 1: Talking about your case with others

There is no circumstance under which you should talk about your case with anyone other than your lawyer. This includes family and friends, as well as anyone hired by the defense or insurance company. If an adjuster, defense attorney or investigator tries to contact you, have them call your lawyer. You never know how someone is going to spin your words, so it’s best to have control of the conversation.

Mistake 2: Divulging details on social media

Like it or not, Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels are essentially public-facing websites and prime material for investigation by insurance adjusters and defense lawyers. Even if you activate the private setting, they may be able to track down pictures, texts or other material that can help their client avoid full responsibility. For example, if you claim injury and your Facebook feed shows you country-line dancing, your chances of winning your case have diminished.

Mistake 3: Ignoring your doctor’s advice

While involved in a personal injury case, always follow the advice of your doctors. This might include a commitment to ongoing appointments and compliance with a therapy regime. To make a strong case, it is important to show that you are working hard to get better. On the same note, remember to save all pill bottles, prescriptions, casts, braces and other items from your doctor as evidence of your injuries. Non-compliance signifies that your injuries might not be as bad as originally claimed or that you are hiding something. And always provide an accurate medical history to your lawyer so you can avoid the defense digging up any skeletons in your closet.

Mistake 4: Signing away your rights

There is no need to sign anything regarding your case without consulting with your lawyer. Simple releases often contain fine print that waives future claims or allows an at-fault insurance company to access your medical records. Always check with your lawyer and if you don’t know—ask.

The law can be on your side

Bringing forth a case in a court of law can be overwhelming and confusing. Sharing with friends and family, and even on social media, might help you feel better about your experience, but talking out of turn can have detrimental implications for your pending lawsuit. If you find yourself involved in litigation, contact us today to learn how we help you navigate the path to successfully winning your case.