Construction work can sometimes be dangerous. Due to the challenging conditions on construction sites, workers suffer the occasional injury. In addition to receiving workers' compensation benefits, a construction worker could potentially have other legal options available. If you are a construction worker and were injured on the job, here is what you need to know.  

What Legal Options Are Available to You?

One of the first steps you can take after suffering a construction site injury is to file a workers' compensation claim. You can start the claims process by reporting your injury to your supervisor and the company's human resources department.  

Depending on the nature of your injury, you might also be able to file a lawsuit against another party for your injuries. A product liability claim can be filed if your injury resulted from using an item that was defective.  

For instance, if a forklift had a defect that caused it to flip over while you were driving it, you could potentially sue the manufacturer of the forklift.  

There is also a possibility that you could file a lawsuit against any contractors or other companies working on the site whose equipment or employees caused you to suffer an injury. For instance, if a truck driver delivering supplies to the site caused an accident that led to your injury, you could sue the trucking company. 

What Evidence Do You Need?

If you are filing a lawsuit against a third party, you will need proof that the accident occurred and that it resulted in injuries. To prove the accident occurred, you can rely on the testimony of witnesses, such as your co-workers. If there are surveillance cameras on-site, your attorney can help obtain the footage from them.  

To prove your injuries, you can provide copies of your medical bills and records. Check with your doctor beforehand to ensure that he or she documented the cause of your injuries. If not, ask your doctor to include the cause in your records.  

Once you have your evidence, you can submit a claim to the insurance provider for the responsible party. You can contact the third party to obtain the  name and contact information for the provider.  

To assess your chances of successfully filing a lawsuit for injuries on a construction site, consult with a workers' compensation attorney. He or she can review the case with you and help map out a strategy for winning your case.