Recognizing and Avoiding Risky Clients in Excavation Work

[MikePhua]

The Unexpected Burial Request
In the world of excavation, most jobs follow predictable patterns—grading, trenching, demolition. But occasionally, a call comes in that veers into the unusual. One such case involved a request to bury a deceased horse. While not a typical service, the operator agreed, moved by the urgency and emotion expressed by the client. The woman claimed the horse lay in an open pasture and needed to be buried promptly. She also emphasized the importance of proper burial and asked whether the contractor was licensed and insured—a question that, while reasonable, can sometimes signal deeper motives.
Upon arrival, the situation began to unravel. The address provided was misleading, placing the job site 45 minutes farther than claimed. The horse, rather than resting in a pasture, had been dragged behind the house—directly over what appeared to be a septic field. When the operator pointed this out, the client denied the existence of any septic system. The inconsistencies and evasiveness raised red flags, prompting the contractor to leave the site without performing the burial.
Spotting Manipulative Behavior
Several warning signs emerged during this encounter:

• Emotional urgency used to override standard procedures
  The client’s tears and insistence on immediate action discouraged proper site evaluation and utility locates.
  
• Misrepresentation of location and burial site
  Providing a false address and changing the burial location upon arrival suggested an attempt to conceal something.
  
• Denial of visible infrastructure
  The septic field was clearly identifiable, yet the client denied its existence, potentially to avoid liability or gain free excavation.
  
• Insurance probing
  Asking about insurance early on may indicate intent to exploit coverage in case of damage or dispute.
  

These tactics are not uncommon. Contractors across industries report similar experiences—clients who feign emergencies, misrepresent property conditions, or attempt to shift blame after work begins.
Legal and Safety Implications
Excavating over a septic field poses serious risks:

• Structural damage to the system
  Burial over active drain fields can crush pipes and compromise wastewater treatment.
  
• Environmental contamination
  Decomposing organic matter above a septic system may introduce pathogens into the soil.
  
• Regulatory violations
  Local ordinances often prohibit burial near water sources or septic infrastructure.
  

Had the contractor proceeded, they might have faced fines, repair costs, or legal action. In such cases, walking away is not only ethical—it’s essential.
Contractor Vulnerability and Insurance Abuse
Licensed and insured contractors are frequent targets for opportunistic clients. Some individuals view insurance policies as blank checks, attempting to provoke accidents or disputes to file claims. Examples include:

• Sudden brake checks in traffic to trigger collisions
  
• False injury claims after minor incidents
  
• Property owners denying known hazards to shift liability
  

A contractor in Missouri once faced a lawsuit after unknowingly digging near an undocumented septic tank. The client claimed negligence, despite having concealed the system’s location. The case was dismissed only after extensive documentation and expert testimony.
Trusting Instinct and Establishing Boundaries
Experienced operators often develop a sixth sense for trouble. When a situation feels off—whether due to vague instructions, emotional manipulation, or inconsistent details—it’s wise to pause. As one veteran put it, “When the hair on your neck stands up, listen to it.”
Best practices include:

• Always perform site inspections before committing
  Visual confirmation prevents surprises and ensures proper planning.
  
• Require written agreements and clear scope of work
  Contracts protect both parties and clarify expectations.
  
• Document all communications
  Texts, emails, and call logs can be vital if disputes arise.
  
• Avoid working without utility locates or site maps
  Even for simple jobs, underground hazards must be ruled out.
  
• Politely decline jobs that feel unsafe or deceptive
  Professionalism includes knowing when to walk away.
  

A Story from the Field
In 2018, a contractor in Tennessee was asked to bury a horse near a barn. Upon arrival, he noticed the ground was unusually soft and spotted vent pipes nearby. Suspecting a septic system, he requested documentation. The client insisted there was none and became agitated. Trusting his instincts, the contractor left. Weeks later, he learned that another operator had accepted the job and ruptured the drain field—leading to a costly repair and a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Not every client is straightforward, and not every job is worth the risk. In excavation, where liability runs deep and surprises lurk underground, caution is a virtue. Recognizing manipulative behavior, verifying site conditions, and trusting professional judgment can prevent costly mistakes. The best contractors aren’t just skilled with machines—they’re sharp-eyed, principled, and unafraid to say no when the situation demands it.