Every excavation professional knows the value of calling 811 before digging. The “call before you dig” protocol exists to prevent costly and dangerous accidents by ensuring that all underground utilities are marked accurately before excavation begins. But what happens when those markings are wrong—and the contractor is blamed for a strike?
It’s a scenario that plays out more often than many realize. A locator might miss a line, mark it inaccurately, or rely on outdated maps. The result? A contractor follows the markings precisely and still hits a buried utility. Without a detailed and immediate response, that contractor may still be held liable.
To combat this risk, contractors must take steps to document and investigate every utility strike, especially when there’s reason to believe the locator was at fault. Unfortunately, proving that fault requires more than a gut feeling—it demands a systematic, fact-based review of the incident, standards, and evidence.
This is the role of a professional excavation damage investigation. These investigations go far beyond taking photos and writing incident reports. They involve a deep analysis of utility maps, 811 ticket timelines, locator company procedures, and the legal obligations of all parties involved.
One trusted provider of these services is excavation damage investigation. Their team specializes in representing contractors who are facing utility damage claims. They know what to look for when reviewing locator performance and can often identify key errors that shift liability away from the excavator.
For example, was the utility located within the legal timeframe? Were the marks visible and in the correct location? Was the utility actually within the marked tolerance zone? These are all factors that a skilled investigator will assess, and they often make a substantial difference in court or settlement negotiations.
Importantly, this kind of defense is not about avoiding responsibility—it’s about establishing the truth. Contractors who dig carefully and follow the rules should not be forced to pay for damage caused by someone else’s mistake. Without a proper investigation, though, the opportunity to set the record straight may be lost.
By holding locators accountable, excavation professionals also help improve safety standards for the entire industry. If errors are consistently uncovered and reported, utility companies and locators have an incentive to improve training, adopt better technology, and take their marking responsibilities more seriously.
Contractors don’t have to accept blame quietly. With the right experts, they can defend their work, protect their reputation, and ensure that the party truly at fault is held accountable.