Increasing numbers of plaintiffs are filing legal claims related to hair straighteners. The chemicals used in these products have been linked to uterine cancer and other injuries. You may have filed a hair straightener lawsuit, or you’re considering one.
If so, it is important that you be careful with your social media usage. While social media is great for connecting with people, it can also damage your hair straightener injury lawsuit. The mass tort attorneys of Rueb Stoller Daniel explain.
Pictures and Posts Could Damage Your Hair Straightener Lawsuit
Anytime someone is claiming they were injured, lawyers for the other side will look for evidence they weren’t. One example of this is posting pictures online. While most victims wouldn’t knowingly post something suggesting they weren’t hurt, it’s easy to do so.
For instance, if you developed uterine cancer due to a hair straightener product, you may suffer emotional distress. But the defendant’s lawyer will look for evidence you aren’t really suffering.
Suppose you post a picture on Instagram of yourself enjoying a good time at a social event. This fact alone does not mean you aren’t actually experiencing emotional distress. However, the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” could prove especially relevant here.
Posts and comments on social media run the same risk. You might post a positive and upbeat status update on Facebook. Or comment on someone else’s post to the same effect. Doing this may seem harmless, but your attorney could be forced to defend this content later.
This shifts the focus from the defendant’s wrongdoing to you and could prove to be a major distraction in your hair straightener lawsuit.
Social Media Can Raise Unnecessary Questions
The problem with social media and an injury claim is that it can raise unnecessary questions. Your online activity could paint a picture of you that is not consistent with your injury or illness. Even though you aren’t doing anything wrong, you should expect an attorney to go digging. This puts you and your lawyer on the defense, and needlessly so.
Let’s say you’ve developed a disease because of the hair straightener you used. You seek a number of damages such as pain and suffering. But leading up to your trial, you decide to take a vacation to unwind. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this. A stressed-out individual could reasonably be expected to need a relaxing break.
But what happens when you start posting pictures about the trip on social media? Doing so could draw the defendant’s attention to you. After all, it seems contradictory to claim you are experiencing pain and suffering while enjoying a vacation.
This, again, takes the focus from the defendant’s wrongdoing and puts it on you. Even if it’s unfair, it could leave a bad impression on a member of the jury. And that may be all the defendant needs to defeat your claim.
Don’t Discuss Money
Another area where injury victims often get in trouble is discussing the money they think they are owed. This can backfire for at least two reasons.
First, you may be inadvertently limiting the amount of damages you deserve. You could be entitled to a substantial sum of compensation in your hair straightener lawsuit. But if you specify online how much you think your case is worth, you may short yourself.
Secondly, and perhaps more important, posting about money makes it look like you’re trying to cash in on your illness. That attitude may not sit well with the jury. Although you could indeed be entitled to significant damages, let your lawyer argue this in court.
Our Legal Team Can Advise You Today
If you became sick due to a hair straightener product, retaining skilled legal counsel is essential. The mass tort attorneys of Rueb Stoller Daniel are ready to go to work for you. And we can advise you on how best to manage your social media during your pending claim.
Call us today to get started on your hair straightener lawsuit.
