Accidents can happen even on the safest excavation sites. One of the most disruptive and legally complex accidents is a utility strike. Whether it’s a damaged electrical conduit, water pipe, or fiber-optic line, the incident often leads to an immediate halt in work, followed by investigations, insurance filings, and in some cases, legal action. What you do in the hours immediately after the strike can significantly impact the outcome.
First and foremost, ensure the safety of your crew and the public. Shut down equipment, evacuate the area if necessary, and notify the appropriate utility company. Many states also require reporting the strike to the local one-call center or a state damage prevention board.
Next comes evidence preservation. Before the site changes due to weather, traffic, or continued work, capture high-quality photographs showing utility markings, the dig area, the exposed utility, and your equipment’s position. Record everything, including locator flags, 811 ticket numbers, and any communication with utility owners or site inspectors.
Too often, excavators make the mistake of assuming that submitting a damage report and cooperating with investigators is enough. But in today’s legal climate, that’s rarely sufficient. Utility companies may pursue compensation, and insurance providers might limit coverage based on how the incident was handled. Contractors need to be proactive—not just reactive.
Legal representation should be secured early. The laws governing liability in utility strikes are complicated and vary widely by state. Factors such as proper ticketing, depth of utilities, accurate marking, and locator performance all play a role in determining fault. Without knowledgeable legal guidance, contractors may find themselves blamed for conditions beyond their control.
That’s where excavator defense services come in. These specialized professionals focus entirely on protecting the rights and interests of excavators and contractors in utility damage cases. Their teams understand the technical, legal, and procedural intricacies involved and can immediately begin building a defense based on real-world jobsite realities.
With the support of experienced legal counsel, contractors can respond with confidence, present accurate records, and challenge any unfair assumptions of fault. This support also ensures that all evidence is preserved in a way that is admissible and defensible in court or settlement negotiations.
In the long term, working with legal professionals who specialize in excavation defense can also improve internal procedures. They help contractors develop stronger incident response protocols, improve documentation habits, and ensure better communication with locators and utility owners on future jobs.
Responding effectively to a utility strike isn’t just about protecting your current project—it’s about safeguarding your entire business. With the right tools and the right team, you can turn a high-risk situation into a manageable one and avoid long-term damage to your operations and reputation.