Settled Your New Orleans Personal Injury Claim? Tempted to Post about it? Here’s Why You Should Think Twice
Almost everyone these days seems to be on social media. From Facebook to Instagram to TikTok and LinkedIn, social media has easily become one of the most used channels for socializing in New Orleans today. There is no doubt that social media plays a big role in many New Orleans residents’ lives. Social media allows us to share news instantly with our friends and family across the globe – we can upload our children’s first day of school photos, family vacation videos, and memes of congrats to celebrate our friends. However, while social media can be a wonderful tool to keep in touch with our loved ones, there is some information that should not be shared across computer and cell phone screens on social media platforms. Indeed, New Orleans social media users who are involved in personal injury cases should be aware of the risks of posting about their cases online, particularly about settlement negotiations or settlements. Here we explain why New Orleans residents should avoid posting about their personal injury cases on social media.
The Risks of Posting Confidential Information Regarding Settlement Negotiations
At the outset, it is important to note that when a New Orleans personal injury plaintiff enters settlement negotiations through mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, they are typically required to sign a confidentiality agreement. This is the first reason that a New Orleans personal injury plaintiff should not post about confidential settlement negotiations online. Furthermore, posting about attorney-client communications may breach the attorney-client privilege. The consequence of breaching the attorney-client privilege in a personal injury case is that the other side (the liable party or “defendant”) may then be entitled to have access to those communications, and other related communications and should otherwise be confidential in the case. Posting confidential information online can have the effect of derailing settlement negotiations, and putting a stop to a potential settlement in the case.
The Risks of Posting Confidential Information Regarding a Settlement
If and when a settlement is reached in a New Orleans personal injury case, New Orleans personal injury plaintiffs may feel tempted to post about the result. While congratulations may be in order, New Orleans personal injury plaintiffs should think twice about posting about a settlement in their case. It is not unusual for settlement agreements to contain confidentiality provisions prohibiting a plaintiff from discussing the settlement in their case. If breached, there could be varying consequences, including a breakdown of the settlement itself. For these reasons, a New Orleans personal injury plaintiff should always speak with an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer before releasing information about their case, even to friends and family members.
If you were injured in a car accident or other accident in New Orleans and you want to speak to a lawyer about your case, contact the experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe. The experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe are here to listen to your story to see if they can help you get justice. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe and speak to an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer about your case for free.
