In recent years, some insurance companies have taken to social media to defend their image or influence public opinion after a claim dispute — sometimes at the expense of the injured person’s privacy or reputation. For victims of car accidents, slip and fall injuries, or other personal injury claims, this tactic can feel deeply unfair. Grover Law Firm in Calgary explains how to respond if an insurer uses social media shame to pressure you or damage your credibility during your claim.
Understanding Social Media Shaming by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have grown increasingly active on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. While most use these platforms for marketing or customer engagement, some have used them to publicly respond to customer complaints or to defend a denied claim in a way that implies fault or exaggeration by the injured person.
This practice, often referred to as social media shaming, is designed to influence public perception — making it seem as though the company is transparent while casting doubt on the claimant’s honesty. In reality, these posts can be manipulative and unprofessional, especially when they disclose claim details or misrepresent facts.
Why Insurance Companies Resort to Public Shaming
There are several reasons an insurance company might take this approach:
- Damage control: To reduce backlash when customers post about poor service or denied claims.
- Reputation management: To appear responsive or ethical while shifting focus away from their handling of your claim.
- Pressure tactics: To make claimants feel uncomfortable or discourage further pursuit of personal injury claims.
Remember — while an insurer may use public relations strategies online, they still have a legal obligation to handle claims fairly and confidentially.
What You Should Do If This Happens
If your insurance company or adjuster posts misleading or embarrassing information about your case online, take these immediate steps:
1. Do Not Engage Publicly
Avoid commenting on or replying to the insurer’s post. Emotional responses can escalate the issue or be used against you later. Instead, take screenshots of all related posts and messages as evidence.
2. Notify Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact your Calgary personal injury lawyer immediately. Your legal team at Grover Law Firm can advise on the next steps — including filing complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or the Insurance Council of Alberta if confidential information was shared without consent.
3. Document Everything
Keep a record of all online interactions, including social media comments, direct messages, and any official company statements. This evidence can be vital if your lawyer needs to prove misconduct or reputational harm.
4. Request That the Post Be Removed
Your lawyer can contact the company’s legal department to demand that the content be taken down. Many businesses will comply quickly once they realize the post may violate privacy or defamation laws.
5. Avoid Posting About Your Case
Even if you feel justified, avoid discussing your accident or ongoing claim on social media. Insurance adjusters routinely monitor claimants’ accounts for anything that could weaken their case.
How Grover Law Firm Can Help
If you’ve been the target of social media tactics by an insurer, you don’t have to handle it alone. Grover Law Firm’s experienced personal injury lawyers understand the legal boundaries insurance companies must follow and know how to protect your rights.
Our legal team can:
- Handle all communication with the insurer
- File formal complaints for unethical or unprofessional behavior
- Pursue defamation or privacy violation claims, if applicable
- Keep your personal injury case on track toward fair compensation
We believe no injured person should face public humiliation while trying to recover or seek justice.
Protecting Your Reputation and Your Rights
In Alberta, both personal injury law and privacy law protect individuals from exploitation by companies that misuse their information. If an insurance company’s online behavior has damaged your reputation or interfered with your claim, you may be entitled to additional damages beyond your original injury case.
A Calgary personal injury lawyer can guide you through your options and ensure you’re treated with fairness and respect — both offline and online.
Take Back Control Today
If you believe an insurance company has acted unfairly or unethically online, it’s time to get help. Grover Law Firm stands ready to protect your rights and restore your peace of mind.
Call (403) 253 1029 today for a free consultation and let our experienced lawyers handle the insurance company while you focus on healing.