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When it comes to construction, few sectors are as demanding—or as dispute-prone—as civil, heavy, and underground work. Whether it's installing storm drains beneath a busy city street or managing directional drilling under existing infrastructure, these projects come with tight regulations, high financial stakes, and little room for error. So what happens when things go wrong? From utility strikes to contract breakdowns, the answer is often legal action. That’s where Discovery Experts steps in. Our team of seasoned discovery professionals helps attorneys, contractors, and insurers unravel the technical details and build strong, evidence-based cases.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.
Think of discovery experts as technical translators. We take the complex—and sometimes chaotic—details of a construction dispute and convert them into facts that a court or mediator can clearly understand. It’s not just about analyzing blueprints or digging through site logs. It’s about understanding how those documents connect to real-world jobsite decisions, safety protocols, and contract obligations.
In civil and heavy construction, things are rarely straightforward. A slight deviation in elevation during pipeline installation can lead to backflow issues. A miscommunication about utility location can shut down an entire neighborhood. These issues can escalate fast, often landing in court. Discovery experts like us investigate what happened, why it happened, and who bears responsibility.
Consider a scenario where pipe jacking operations intersect with an existing sewer line. Did the contractor have accurate utility maps? Were the drilling tolerances within spec? These are the kinds of questions we answer—thoroughly and without bias.
Our team covers a wide spectrum of issues, but a few areas come up repeatedly in our work. Let’s break them down.
If your dispute involves trenchless installation or subsurface utility conflicts, check out our Trenchless Construction Discovery Experts page
Imagine you’re managing a fiber optic installation in an urban corridor. You hit a petroleum pipeline that wasn’t marked—or was it? Now you’re facing cleanup costs, environmental penalties, and a lawsuit. This kind of situation happens more often than you’d think.
Utility infrastructure is the backbone of modern cities, and underground conflicts are a top cause of construction litigation. Discovery Experts brings clarity to these complex cases by evaluating SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) data, excavation methods, and contract scopes.
We’ve seen cases where poor pre-construction planning led to multiple utility strikes—costing contractors their reputations and insurers big money. Our role is to break down what happened, compare it to standards and best practices, and provide evidence that stands up in court.
Don’t make the mistake of relying solely on as-builts or GIS maps. These tools are helpful—but they’re no substitute for a thorough, expert-led investigation.
It’s one thing to understand construction—it’s another to explain it clearly under oath. Our team doesn’t just have years in the field; we have the credentials to back it up. Many of our experts are licensed professional engineers (PEs), with certifications in directional drilling, utility installation, trench safety, and heavy equipment operation.
We’ve worked on everything from cross-country pipelines to dense urban water systems. But more importantly, we’ve testified in depositions, arbitration, and courtrooms across the country. We know how to translate complex technical concepts into straightforward language that resonates with judges, juries, and mediators.
Why choose us over a generalist consultant? Because we don’t dabble in this niche—we specialize in it.
We understand how high the stakes can be in these cases. A single mistake—on paper or in the field—can lead to years of legal wrangling and massive financial losses. That’s why clients trust Discovery Experts. Here’s what sets us apart:
We’ve supported litigation in state and federal courts, public utility commission hearings, and international arbitration. Whatever the venue, our goal is the same: provide expert insight that helps our clients achieve successful outcomes.
Our approach is collaborative, strategic, and designed for results. Here’s how we typically work with our clients:
Today’s construction landscape is evolving fast. Trenchless technologies are becoming the norm. Urban congestion is forcing more utility work underground. And with that, new legal challenges are emerging.
In a recent case, a directional bore was designed to avoid a sewer main but ended up puncturing it due to inaccurate mapping and a deviation in drill trajectory. We were brought in to evaluate both the geotechnical data and the contractor’s execution. Our findings played a critical role in securing a fair settlement for the municipality.
Another trend? Increased scrutiny over environmental impact. Contractors now face litigation not just for structural failures—but for how those failures affect groundwater, erosion, or nearby protected resources. At Discovery Experts, we stay current on both technology and regulatory trends, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest insight.
What kinds of cases do you handle?
We handle everything from equipment accidents to directional drilling failures, utility damage, construction delays, and more. If it involves heavy or underground construction, we likely cover it.
When should I bring in an expert?
Ideally, before litigation begins. Early involvement can help preserve evidence, clarify facts, and potentially avoid a trial altogether.
Can you help with in-progress projects?
Yes. We offer consulting support on active construction sites, helping clients identify and mitigate issues before they escalate.
Are your experts qualified to testify in court?
Absolutely. Our team includes veteran expert witnesses who are prepared for depositions, court appearances, and arbitration proceedings.
If you’re dealing with a civil or underground construction dispute, don’t go it alone. Discovery Experts brings clarity, credibility, and confidence to your case. Whether you’re managing a lawsuit, heading off a potential claim, or navigating regulatory challenges, we’re here to help.
Our professionals combine deep technical knowledge with the communication skills needed to support legal teams and win trust in the courtroom.
Let’s talk about how we can help
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.
