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In construction, things don’t always go as planned. When a trench collapses, a directional drill veers off course, or a utility line is struck during excavation, someone has to figure out what happened—and fast. These aren’t just accidents; they’re high-stakes events that can spark lawsuits, delay critical infrastructure, and cost millions. That’s where we come in. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in dissecting complex incidents in civil, heavy, and underground construction. Our job is to investigate, analyze, and explain construction failures with clarity and credibility. Whether you’re a contractor defending your work, a legal team building a case, or an insurer seeking the truth, our experts provide the answers that matter most.
Underground construction is, by nature, invisible to the average observer. Yet it’s the backbone of modern infrastructure. Beneath our streets lie water mains, fiber-optic cables, gas lines, and storm drains—all carefully placed to avoid disaster. But what happens when something goes wrong underground?
Imagine a directional drilling crew strikes a petroleum pipeline, or a sewer trench caves in during peak construction hours. These aren’t just operational setbacks; they can trigger environmental hazards, injuries, and major legal consequences. Incident analysis experts step in to examine the event from every angle—technical, procedural, regulatory—and help determine what really happened.
Our work doesn’t stop at engineering. In many cases, we support attorneys navigating high-stakes litigation, using our findings to strengthen legal arguments. From site inspections to courtroom testimony, we bring facts and forensic clarity to even the most chaotic construction scenarios.
For more on how we assist legal teams, visit our Expert Witness Services page
Not all construction incidents are alike—but they often trace back to familiar sources. Let’s break down some of the most common ones we encounter.
When a construction failure happens, it takes more than intuition to uncover the truth. That’s where our process begins—methodical, impartial, and focused on facts.
For broader support on legal strategies, explore our Litigation Support & Expert Testimony services.
What makes someone qualified to investigate a $10 million infrastructure failure? At Discovery Experts, our team includes licensed Professional Engineers (PEs), former contractors, and construction safety specialists with decades of experience.
We’re not generalists. Each expert brings hands-on knowledge of civil engineering, underground utility systems, trenchless technologies, and heavy construction methods. This deep specialization allows us to go beyond surface-level analysis and dig into the operational realities of each case.
More importantly, we know how to communicate our findings. Whether it’s in a report, a deposition, or on the witness stand, our experts are clear, credible, and courtroom-tested.
In an industry full of “consultants,” what makes us different? Simply put, we’ve done the work. We’ve supervised excavation crews, overseen trenchless installations, and investigated real-world disasters. That practical experience is the foundation of every analysis we provide.
Here’s why clients trust us:
From gas line damage to vault collapse investigations, we’ve seen—and solved—it all. You’re not just getting an expert; you’re getting a partner committed to helping you resolve complex disputes with clarity and confidence.
So, how does it actually work when you bring us in on a case? Here’s a look at our process, from first contact to final deliverables.
As urban development intensifies, the underground space is more congested—and risky—than ever. At the same time, new technologies like pipe jacking and hydro auger drilling introduce complexity that not every contractor fully understands. That’s led to a rise in both accidents and litigation involving underground construction.
In one case we investigated, a directional drill struck a telecom conduit that hadn’t been properly marked. The result? A citywide internet outage and a multi-party lawsuit. Our analysis showed the marking firm failed to use appropriate detection methods—a key insight that shifted liability and helped resolve the dispute.
These real-world outcomes illustrate why technical analysis isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
What kinds of construction failures require expert analysis?
Any incident involving utility strikes, equipment failure, structural collapse, trench cave-ins, or code violations can benefit from professional investigation.
How soon should I bring in an expert after an incident?
The sooner, the better. Early involvement ensures that physical evidence is preserved and that key documentation isn’t lost or altered.
Do you only support legal teams?
No. While many of our clients are attorneys, we also work with insurers, municipalities, contractors, and project owners who need independent evaluations.
What if my case involves multiple trades or technologies?
That’s where we shine. Our multidisciplinary team can handle the technical overlap between civil engineering, trenchless tech, utility systems, and safety compliance.
Construction incidents don’t have to become legal nightmares. With Discovery Experts, you get more than analysis—you get clarity, credibility, and peace of mind. Whether you’re facing litigation, a contract dispute, or a regulatory challenge, we’re here to help you uncover the facts and move forward with confidence.
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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.
