These Facebook posts could impact a legal claim in South Africa, warn experts

[BusinessTech]

These Facebook posts could impact a legal claim in South Africa, warn experts

It might not occur to everyone that using social media can hurt a personal injury claim. However, even seemingly harmless media, like birthday wishes or posts about social outings, can potentially compromise a case, say legal experts at DSC Attorneys.

 

[rvZA]

“She alleged that the chair was defective. She also claimed that her injury confined her largely to her home and led to a loss of enjoyment of life. The manufacturer’s attorneys found a Facebook profile picture of Romano smiling and outside her home, along with MySpace postings featuring ‘smiley’ emojis,” DSC Attorneys said.

Easy. Do not lie in a claim. Be honest. Do the right thing.

“In a South African case, Harvey v Niland, the court ruled that even unlawfully obtained Facebook communications were admissible in a civil case.”

This is indeed a great ruling for anyone who needs information on a third party and does not have the means of obtaining it legally. A great victory all around.

If things like this bothers you, close down your social accounts and move on without them.