Kunkel Law Firm - January 2023

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Instagram. This evidence can then be manipulated during litigation, and the opposing party will try to use it against you.

situations. Even if those accounts are set to private or if you have blocked involved parties, the chances of a judge seeing them are still exponentially high.

I like to think of it this way: If you have been in an automobile accident and claim that you were severely injured but are posting pictures of

The other party can request the submission of your social media posts as part of the discovery process. In addition to this, any outright

yourself soaking up sun at the beach, chances are you may not be as seriously injured as you claim. Even the seemingly “good” posts can be turned negative depending on the context. Posts about everyday life — going out to a nice dinner, meeting friends in town, etc. — can be easily misconstrued. This is why we advise clients to stay away from social media in general to avoid any of those possibilities.

negative statements may make you appear impulsive and angry — which never looks good in court.

Despite that, these posts don’t even need to be negative in an obvious way to become an issue. There was a custody case in 2015 when a judge allowed a man to use his wife’s Facebook profile as evidence. The wife constantly posted updates about her

professional travels, and her husband believed it showed she didn’t have time to be a primary caregiver for their young children.

When it comes to divorce and custody cases, it can be an arduous legal process. Overwhelming emotions tend to follow, and many people turn to social media to vent their feelings or message friends or family to discuss what is happening. I have seen plenty of clients post derogatory statements about their

The best way to prevent your social media from becoming evidence in court is to not post anything at all. It is better to be safe than sorry — so think before you post!

PREPARE FOR THE HEALING PROCESS

Understanding the Value of Physical Therapy

GO INTO AN OPERATION STRONGER Just like training for a big game or rehearsing for a play, practicing beforehand will strengthen your ability to perform at your peak. PT can effectively prepare your body so that you go into surgery with greater strength, endurance, and stamina, and it even reduces the risks of surgical complications. Some therapists teach patients exercises that strengthen specific joints or muscle groups that may be affected during an operation and, in turn, help those areas recover faster.

Many people think that physical therapy (PT) only helps after an operation, but this isn’t always the case. One of the most critical times you could seek PT is before surgery, which can help with preparation and recovery. BENEFITS OF PT BEFORE AN OPERATION The idea of PT before surgery can be tricky, especially if you’ve suffered a painful injury. But physical therapy brings many potential benefits if performed correctly. In the long run, it can provide substantial advantages to patients preparing for surgery.

PREPARE FOR POST-SURGERY

These include the following but aren’t limited to:

Most know that PT is a vital part of the recovery process and is one of the best ways to manage pain levels without excessive use of prescribed narcotics. Depending on your operation, doctors will typically recommend PT after surgery. A session or two before surgery will provide knowledge and expectations for your rehabilitation. You will understand the process and know how to make the healing process smoother, getting you back to the activities you love.

• Minimizing pain • Reducing muscle atrophy • Fewer complications following surgery • Restoring range of motion

Under the right circumstances, following a PT routine before surgery can give you a head start on your healing process. You can also choose your pace because your therapist will only want you to complete exercises without pain. If you’re uncomfortable, your therapist can devise a solution that benefits your situation the most.

2 • 888-228-9680

Social Security Disability • Workers’ Compensation • Employment Rights

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