If your civil rights were violated, you may be able to take action against those who were responsible for the incident. While filing a claim won’t undo the trauma you suffered, it could yield the funds needed to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.
To give your case the best chance of success, it’s wise to stay off social media until everything has been resolved. At the end of the day, there’s no way to predict how the defendant might try to use your online activity against you.
If disabling your accounts temporarily is not an option, you can at least reduce the risk of jeopardizing your civil rights claim by taking the following steps:
1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Review the privacy settings on each of your profiles and adjust them as needed so only approved connections can see what you post. While there’s no foolproof way to contain something once you publish it on the internet, this will provide an added layer of protection.
2. Filter All New Requests
If you use social media to expand your professional network, you may be in the habit of approving virtually all the requests you receive. As long as your civil rights claim is pending, though, you’ll want to avoid accepting friend or follow requests from people whom you don’t actually recognize. They could be working for the defendant’s legal team, and they be trying to gain access to your profiles.
3. Avoid Posting About the Case
Social media has become such a fixture of modern life that seeking support from your friends and followers online is probably second nature. And considering just how stressful life can be following any kind of civil rights violation, you may need support now more than ever.
Before you post about the situation on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, though, consider the potential ramifications of doing so. Even if you think the posts will only bolster your case, there’s no way to be sure how they might be misinterpreted—or misrepresented—by the defendant.
4. Avoid Posting About Your Everyday Life
In addition to keeping silent about your claim, it’s wise to avoid discussing your social life or expenditures online. Depending on their content, such posts could lead the opposing party to challenge the damages you’re seeking. Remember: Even if you’ve updated your privacy settings, the defendant may still be able to access certain posts through third-party connections.
5. Remind Your Friends & Loved Ones of the Pending Claim
If the opposing party cannot access any of your profiles, they may try to monitor your activities through friends and loved ones. Therefore, it’s essential that you remind those closest to you of your ongoing case. Ask them not to post about you or your situation in any capacity.
Call 601-487-8448 to Speak with a Civil Rights Attorney in Jackson
If your civil rights were violated, turn to Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Our tireless team will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties. Call 601-487-8448 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a civil rights lawyer in Jackson.
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