In the world of large-scale infrastructure and underground utility projects, things don’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s a misaligned bore during directional drilling, an unexpected utility strike, or an excavation that leads to structural failure, these situations can escalate fast—and when they do, they often end up in court. That’s where expert witness services become essential. Discovery Experts helps untangle the technical complexities of civil, heavy, and underground construction disputes. We support attorneys, contractors, insurance carriers, and municipalities by providing credible, experience-based insights during depositions, mediation sessions, arbitration hearings, and full-blown trials. Our work can mean the difference between a drawn-out legal battle and a timely resolution.
Construction disputes aren’t just about blueprints and backhoes—they’re about risk, safety, contractual clarity, and tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars on the line. When underground systems like fiber optic lines, sewer mains, or gas conduits are involved, the stakes go up fast. Technical accuracy is critical, and that’s where experts step in.
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Every case is different, but patterns emerge. We’ve worked on disputes involving everything from misaligned auger boring shafts to substructure design flaws buried 20 feet below ground. That’s why we bring an expansive toolbox of technical expertise to every assignment.
Our team specializes in evaluating excavation and trenching operations, especially in tight urban corridors where safety regulations are constantly evolving. We’re also trenchless technology pros—investigating failures in HDD, pipe bursting, and pipe jacking that often result from poor planning or soil misclassification.
We frequently support claims involving manholes, vaults, handholes, and other substructure components, offering insight into engineering standards and real-world construction practices. In cases of utility damage, whether it’s fiber optic, petroleum, water, or storm drain lines, our experts can trace causes, analyze impact, and help establish liability.
And yes, we know our equipment. From cranes and cement trucks to boom lifts and hydro augers, we understand how machine operation, site prep, and maintenance records factor into construction failures.
You don’t go into a construction dispute without backup. Legal teams rely on technical experts not only for interpretation but also for translation. We make the language of engineering digestible for judges, juries, and arbitrators.
Expert litigation support provides three key advantages:
Whether it’s a million-dollar claim or a municipality defending public infrastructure work, we help ensure the facts speak clearly.
Explore what Litigation Support Service can do for you.
What makes Discovery Experts different? Experience. Precision. And a track record you can trust.
Our professionals include licensed engineers (PEs), certified project managers (PMPs), and construction specialists who’ve worked on everything from DOT highway projects to multi-utility trenching programs. Many have served as expert witnesses in dozens of cases—some involving state and federal claims.
We’re especially proud of our cross-disciplinary approach. We understand how geotechnical assessments intersect with contract law. We know where mechanical missteps affect electrical systems. And we stay current on construction codes, ANSI standards, and OSHA requirements.
Bottom line: we bring both breadth and depth, offering focused technical insight tailored to each dispute.
From intake to courtroom presentation, we follow a clear and transparent process designed to support clients every step of the way.
Urban expansion and aging infrastructure have created a perfect storm of construction risk—especially underground. Dense utility corridors mean contractors face increased exposure to claims. At the same time, trenchless methods like HDD and jack-and-bore introduce new complexities.
Take one recent case: a contractor working under a tight downtown corridor used pipe ramming to install steel casing. Unexpected soil conditions caused deflection, and the casing damaged a storm drain system. Discovery Experts was brought in to analyze soil reports, vibration records, and project coordination logs. The findings helped resolve the matter through arbitration, saving both parties a costly trial.
These real-world cases underscore the value of expert analysis. And they’re happening more often—especially as cities push for broadband expansion, pipeline upgrades, and water system renewals.
We’ve worked alongside legal teams, utilities, and construction firms across the U.S. Some of the organizations that have relied on our expertise include:
Our clients value the depth of our analysis, the clarity of our reporting, and our ability to make complex construction challenges understandable and actionable.
If your case involves underground utility damage, trenchless method failure, or disputes over construction quality or timelines, Discovery Experts is ready to help. Our team offers unmatched experience in civil, heavy, and underground construction litigation—from early case review to trial testimony.
Reach out for a confidential consultation and let us know how we can assist your team.
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.