Euless, Texas Social Media Lawyers
Fighting for Clients Who Have Been Injured Online
Many people now have a large online presence. They use multiple social media platforms to interact with friends, family, interest groups, and news. They buy products based on social media advertisements or because it was promoted by an influencer, and businesses try to find new and better ways to reach potential customers. While there are many benefits to the world being so connected to social media, there can also be a darker side: false statements can spread rapidly and affect people’s daily lives, being censored or banned from a platform can result in large economic losses, and fraudsters frequently attempt to impersonate celebrities and businesses in order to rip off unsuspecting consumers. In cases like these and others, social media lawyers from The Wolf of Law Street can navigate the complexities of litigating a personal injury case that has occurred on the internet and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (972) 573-4532 for a free consultation and advice on your specific case.
What is social media law?
Social media law is a fairly new branch of law that has become necessary now that a good portion of our social lives and business interactions are involved in some way with social media sites. This area of law is concerned with the internet, user-generated property, and the different internet sites that distribute it, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, and more. It has some overlap with other areas of law, including business law and personal injury law, but it is geared toward specific injuries which can occur in the social media sphere. Businesses and individuals can be greatly harmed, both economically and emotionally, by issues that occur on social media, and it is vital to engage the services of a law office that understands the nuances of these problems and the laws that govern them.
What Are the Legal Issues Related to Social Media Use?
With more people than ever active on social media platforms, and businesses and influencers using the sites to promote products, there are many legal issues that have arisen. Many are similar to the issues seen with other forms of media, such as books, newspapers, and television, where copyright infringement and censorship litigation is commonplace. However, because social media depends on the interaction of individuals with the platform and each other, it can also lead to personal injury claims as well. Some examples of the legal issues which might arise on a social media platform are:
- Intellectual property: An individual’s or business’s logos, trademarks, or copyrighted materials may be used improperly in information uploaded to social media sites, and this can infringe on their intellectual property rights.
- Defamation: If false or libelous information is being spread about you on social media, you have the right to protect your character and reputation. Defamation may include cyber-bullying and improper use of your images.
- Censorship: If a social media site prevents you from using it or limits your posting abilities based on your political, religious, or other views, it may be illegally limiting your freedom of speech.
- False advertising: Social media is still considered commercial advertising, and truth in advertising laws still apply. If a social media influencer hired by a business makes false claims about a product, that business could be held responsible.
- Privacy rights: Individuals still have rights to their privacy on social media platforms. If a platform doesn’t protect those rights or if a business or group on the platform improperly uses or stores the information they have obtained from their followers, then they are in violation of privacy laws.
What Outcomes and Compensation Can Be Expected From Social Media Litigation?
The outcome of your case can vary greatly, depending on the type of injury that occurred to you. For example, if you were defamed on social media, the court may order the defamatory statements be removed from the platform and anywhere else they are available online, and you may be eligible for compensation for monetary damages you suffered and any mental anguish you experienced. However, if your copyrighted work was improperly distributed by someone on a social media site, you may be awarded actual damages, along with any profits the offender made from passing your work off as their own. Because there is such a wide range of variables within each case, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable social media lawyer who will take the time to understand and investigate your claim to build a case that results in the best possible outcome for you.
How Can a Social Media Lawyer Help You?
With the explosion of social media in the last decade, the world has seen a shift in how people interact with their friends and family and also with businesses and customers. There are people who make their living now solely from being social media influencers, and small businesses have seen their potential customer base grow exponentially. Even traditional “brick and mortar” businesses will often check an individual’s online presence when making hiring decisions. Social media is so intertwined with every aspect of our lives that when an issue occurs in that space, it can be particularly destructive economically, socially, and emotionally. Because the laws governing online interactions are so complicated, it can be difficult to know where to begin when you are trying to get justice for these injuries and undo the harm they’ve done. At The Wolf of Law Street, we understand social media law, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at (972) 573-4532.