In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation laws include very complex sets of regulations, often requiring businesses and insurers to work with workers' compensation lawyers when faced with a claim.

Harrisburg employers may be interested in a workers' compensation appeals case that recently addressed whether Facebook and MySpace photos should be allowed to be admitted into evidence.

The case took place in Arkansas and stemmed from the actions of a 27-year-old man who worked in a warehouse showroom. He sustained a hernia almost three years ago when a refrigerator fell on him in the showroom. When his temporary workers' compensation disability benefits expired more than one year later, he applied for an extension, citing "excruciating pain."

The Arkansas Compensation Commission denied the extension application, finding that he had no further medical needs related to the injury and that photos posted to Facebook and Myspace--depicting him partying and drinking alcohol--contradicted his claims of excruciating pain.

The man appealed this decision and asked that the appeals court ban the photos from evidence. His attorneys claimed the photos were a disgrace to the court and that they were irrelevant.

The appeals court allowed the photos and reaffirmed the state's workers' compensation commission. Additionally, in the court's opinion it was noted that the judge did not abuse discretion at all by allowing the photos.

This case illustrates the importance of having attorneys who are very knowledgeable about what types of evidence may or may not be appropriate. Much of what is posted to social media websites is qualified as public information; however there are still many gray areas when it comes to utilizing these types of evidence.

Source: ABC News, "Court Okays Facebook Party Photos in Workers Comp Claim," Lyneka Little, Feb. 3, 2012