Social media has become part of everyday life. We share photos and updates and check in at places without thinking much about who might see them. But if you’re involved in a personal injury claim in Maryland, what you post online could seriously harm your case, sometimes without you even realizing it.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers often look at your social media profiles to find information that might reduce the value of your claim. Even innocent posts can be used against you. For example, if you claim to have a serious injury but post pictures of yourself doing physical activities, that could suggest your injury isn’t as bad as you say.
Sometimes people unknowingly share details about their accident or injury that might contradict their official statements. Posting about pain levels, treatments, or even your mood can give the other side ammunition to challenge your case.
It’s not just about what you post—friends and family can tag you in photos or comments that might hurt your claim. This is why it’s smart to review your privacy settings regularly and be cautious about what goes online.
If you’re in the middle of a personal injury claim, it’s best to avoid posting anything about your injury, accident, or legal case. Stay off social media if possible until your claim is resolved. The less information you share, the less chance the other side has to twist it.
An experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer can help you understand how social media might affect your claim and guide you on what to avoid posting. Protecting your online presence is just one step in making sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Remember, social media can be a powerful tool—but in a personal injury case, it can also work against you.
What Happens If You’re Injured on the Way to Work? Maryland’s ‘Coming and Going’ Rule Explained
Getting hurt on the way to work is more common than you might think. But what many people don’t realize is that not all work-related injuries are covered by workers’ comp, especially when you’re not yet at your job site. In Maryland, this is where the “coming and going” rule comes into play and can affect your claim.
The coming and going rule generally says that if you’re injured during your regular commute—whether by car, bus, or on foot—your injury likely won’t be covered by workers’ compensation. That’s because the law doesn’t consider you to be “on the job” until you’ve actually arrived at your workplace or begun a work-related task.
However, like most rules, there are exceptions.
You might still qualify for benefits if you were doing something work-related during your commute. For example, if your boss asked you to pick up supplies or stop by another job site on your way in, you could be considered “within the scope of employment.” In that case, your injury may be covered under Maryland’s workers’ comp laws.
Another exception is if your job requires travel or has no fixed work location, like if you’re a delivery driver or a traveling nurse. In those situations, the line between work and personal time gets blurrier, and workers’ comp may apply even during your commute or between stops.
Parking lot injuries are another gray area. Your claim might be valid if you’re injured in a parking lot owned or controlled by your employer. But if you’re hurt in a public lot or on a sidewalk, it’s less likely to qualify for benefits.
Because the coming and going rule can be tricky and fact-specific, it’s smart to talk to a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney if you’re unsure. A lawyer can help you determine if your situation meets one of the exceptions and what evidence you’ll need to support your claim.
