If you’ve been hurt in an accident or fired from your job for what you believe are illegal reasons, you may have a valid legal claim under New York law. But before you rush to post, vent, or explain yourself, it’s important to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Here are three major mistakes to avoid if you’re considering filing a personal injury or wrongful termination claim in New York:
1. Don’t Talk About Your Case on Social Media
In today’s world, it’s tempting to post everything on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok—but if you’re thinking about suing or filing a legal claim, keep it offline.
Anything you post on social media can be used against you in court. Even if your profiles are private, insurance companies and defense lawyers can request access during the legal process (called “discovery”) and may find posts that damage your credibility.
For example:
If you claim you’re dealing with serious injuries or emotional distress but then post pictures having fun or being active, those posts may be used to argue that you’re exaggerating your injuries.
đź’ˇ Tip for New Yorkers: Even if you’re just “sharing your truth,” it’s safest not to discuss any part of your potential case online. This includes status updates, comments, photos, check-ins, or even indirect references.
2. Don’t Give a Statement to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident in New York, it’s common for an insurance adjuster to contact you soon afterward. They may sound friendly or claim they “just need a few details.”
Don’t fall for it.
The goal of their call is to get a recorded statement from you that they can later use to limit or deny your claim. If you say something inconsistent—or if your condition worsens later—they’ll point to your initial statement as evidence that you’re not being truthful.
👩‍⚖️ Best practice: Politely decline to give a statement until you’ve spoken with a New York personal injury attorney. A qualified lawyer can guide you on what to say (or not say) and help protect your rights.
3. Don’t Mention Lawsuits to Your Doctor or Therapist
It’s 100% okay—and encouraged—to get medical treatment for physical injuries or emotional distress. You should be honest with your provider about your symptoms and challenges.
But here’s what not to say:
“I’m planning to sue,” “My lawyer said this,” or “This is for a lawsuit.”
Why? Because anything you say to your provider can go into your medical records, and those records can be accessed by the other side during your case. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will comb through your records looking for anything that makes it look like you were more focused on building a lawsuit than healing.
🏥 For New York plaintiffs: Keep the conversation focused on your health—not your legal plans.
Bottom Line: Play It Smart from the Start
If you’re pursuing a personal injury or wrongful termination case in New York, these three simple steps can help protect your claim:
- Avoid social media posts about your situation
- Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters
- Stay focused on treatment—not litigation—when talking to medical professionals
Need help navigating your next steps? Contact an experienced New York attorney who understands the law and how to protect your rights.đź‘Ť Found this helpful? Like and follow us for more legal tips tailored for New Yorkers.