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Underground construction is no small feat. When things go wrong—collapsed vaults, misaligned bores, utility strikes—the results can be costly and chaotic. In these moments, a civil, heavy, underground construction case review isn’t just helpful; it’s critical. At Discovery Experts, we step in with the technical know-how, legal awareness, and hands-on experience to get to the bottom of complex disputes. Whether you're facing a major infrastructure failure or preparing for litigation, we provide clear, credible answers that hold up in and out of court.
Underground infrastructure is invisible to most people—but not to us. We know what lies beneath the surface: tangled networks of gas lines, water mains, telecom conduits, and storm drains. These systems require precision from planning to installation. When something goes off-track, the legal and financial consequences can be steep.
So, where do we come in? Discovery Experts helps unravel the technical details behind construction failures and disputes. We offer expert reviews that determine what went wrong and who was responsible. Think of us as both detectives and translators—digging into project documents and field data, then explaining it all in a way that attorneys, judges, and juries can understand.
Our experts are routinely called on for projects involving directional drilling mishaps, utility damage, and delayed sewer or storm drain installations. We’ve worked with law firms, contractors, insurance carriers, and public agencies nationwide.
Underground construction is anything but simple—it touches multiple disciplines, regulations, and safety protocols. That’s why we tailor our reviews to the specific challenges of each case. Here’s where our expertise truly makes a difference:
What really happened? That’s the question at the heart of every dispute—and forensic analysis is how we find the answer.
Our process goes beyond the surface (literally). We dig into permits, bore plans, utility locates, contractor logs, and even soil reports to reconstruct the sequence of events. Whether it’s a sewer line collapse or a directional drilling accident, we identify what caused the problem and whether it could have been prevented.
This kind of analysis is especially vital when:
One memorable case involved a mislocated storm drain under a city street that began sinking months after installation. Our experts discovered a mismatch between the approved plans and the as-built conditions—an error that could have gone unnoticed without forensic review.
We’re not just reading blueprints—we’re reading between the lines to uncover the truth.
There’s no substitute for experience. Our team is made up of licensed civil engineers, former field supervisors, construction safety experts, and utility specialists. We’ve installed the systems. We’ve managed the projects. And now, we break them down when things go wrong.
We’ve reviewed projects involving:
And each time, we bring the same level of diligence and attention to detail—no matter the size or scope.
Every case is different, but our approach is consistent. Here’s what you can expect when working with Discovery Experts:
We start by understanding your case—what happened, who’s involved, and what documents are available. This helps us identify early red flags and tailor our review.
Our team dives into the details. That might mean analyzing bore paths, studying as-built drawings, or even visiting the site. We compare what was planned to what was executed—and determine where things went off course.
Once our analysis is complete, we deliver a detailed report outlining findings, supported by visuals and references. If needed, we’ll also prepare to testify in court or at arbitration.
To see how this process applies to another construction area, check out our Construction Defects Analysis service.
The underground construction world is evolving fast—with new technologies, tighter regulations, and growing legal scrutiny. One rising trend? Trenchless claims. As more projects use HDD and pipe bursting, we’re seeing more cases where poor planning or unsuitable conditions lead to failure.
We handled a case where a directional drill veered off path, damaging a gas main and leading to an emergency evacuation. Our review showed that bore logs were ignored and soil conditions underestimated—key insights that helped settle the case out of court.
In another situation, we examined a failed sewer vault install that flooded a retail complex. Turns out, a miscalculated slope and faulty rebar spacing led to a structural collapse under normal load.
These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re real examples of why expert review matters.
With so many expert services out there, why choose us? Simple.
In short: We know the stakes, and we know how to help you win.
When is the right time to bring in an expert witness?
As soon as a dispute arises. The earlier we’re involved, the more value we can provide—whether it’s shaping the narrative, analyzing evidence, or preparing you for court.
How long does a case review take?
It depends on complexity and documentation, but most reviews are completed in 2–6 weeks. Urgent timelines? We can expedite when needed.
What if I’m not sure what caused the failure?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. You don’t need all the answers—you just need the right team to find them.
Every underground project carries risk. When that risk turns into a dispute, you need more than opinions—you need solid, defensible insight. That’s what Discovery Experts delivers.
Ready to move forward? Let’s talk.
Discovery Experts, led by founder Brian H. Aanestad, is your premier source for expert witness services in construction and transportation. With over 39 years of experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to every challenge, ensuring excellence is always the standard.
