3rd Party Investigations
When a utility damage occurs, call us and we
will send a trained investigator to your location to complete a thorough
independent investigation of the matter including photographs (both digital and
35 mm), video, site interviews with all parties involved, measurements, field
sketches, and other information as required by the situation. All of our
investigators are also highly trained Subsurface Utility Engineers who can
locate the facility in question (and others in the area if needed) and determine
the accuracy of the marks that had been on site at the time of the damage.
Our staff carry some of the most sophisticated locating equipment available
today and have the training and experience necessary to provide you with the
most accurate and complete information possible.
Why do I need to call you, can't I do a
lot of this myself?
Yes and no. You can certainly take
measurements and pictures, even witness statements, however as an involved party
to the incident, your information may seem to be biased, where as we are an
independent entity with no financial stake in the matter. This allows us
to provide an independent viewpoint. In addition we have decades of
experience in dealing with damaged utilities which provides us with the
expertise needed to obtain all of the relevant information needed to assist you
with any damage claim. Our staff knows just what questions need to be
asked, which photographs and references are the most critical to effectively
defend your reputation and assets.
How soon after the damage happens to I
need to call you?
Ideally as soon as the situation allows.
First you need to ensure that everyone on your crew is safe and that the damaged
facility does not pose any additional danger to the surrounding community (i.e.
blowing gas line). If there is a potential danger to the community, call
911 and evacuate the area. Then contact the appropriate utility company.
Then you should contact the appropriate state one-call system (dial 811) to report the
damage. Then you should call us. The sooner we can get to the site
the more effective we can be in assisting you with any claims that might be
brought against you. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure.... we can often be more effective and settle the matter at a lower cost
to you the sooner that we are involved.
