Expert Civil, Heavy, Underground Construction:
Testimony Services

Civil, heavy, and underground construction projects aren’t just massive in scale—they’re layered with risk, regulation, and coordination. When a project fails or a dispute arises, it’s rarely a simple fix. Who’s at fault? Was the proper procedure followed? Were utilities accurately located? In these high-stakes situations, expert testimony is more than helpful—it’s often critical. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in providing expert witness services rooted in decades of field experience and technical insight. From pipeline ruptures to trench collapses and directional drilling gone wrong, our professionals break down the details that can make or break a legal case. Our job? Help you build yours—fact by fact.

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Civil heavy underground construction site with trenching and utility work

Understanding the Role of Expert Testimony in Civil and Underground Construction

Litigation in construction is rarely straightforward. Even seasoned attorneys can find themselves buried under technical jargon, conflicting accounts, and thousands of pages of project documentation. That’s where we come in.

Expert witnesses in civil and underground construction analyze the facts behind the failure. Was there a deviation from the standard of care? Were OSHA trenching guidelines ignored? Did pipe installation methods meet engineering specifications? These are the types of questions we answer—with precision and authority.

Consider a project where directional drilling inadvertently damages an existing fiber optic line. Multiple contractors, overlapping maps, and undocumented infrastructure all muddy the waters. Our role is to untangle the mess, inspect the methods, and present conclusions in a way the court can trust and understand.

And this doesn’t apply only to litigation. Our experts are frequently brought in during mediation or insurance evaluations to help prevent disputes from reaching the courtroom. Often, our findings provide the technical backbone for settlements and case resolution.

Areas of Expertise in Civil, Heavy, and Underground Construction

Our expertise spans a broad spectrum of underground and heavy civil construction scenarios. Why? Because construction failures are rarely isolated—they ripple across systems, budgets, and timelines.

Utility Conflicts and Damage Claims

  • Utility damage is among the most common catalysts for legal action in underground work. Whether a water main gets pierced during excavation or gas lines are mislocated during boring, the costs can be immense—and someone will be held accountable.

    We’ve supported cases involving electric, telecom, petroleum, sewer, storm drain, and fiber optic infrastructure. By evaluating if a contractor followed proper locating procedures or violated state “Call Before You Dig” laws, we help identify where negligence occurred.

    We also analyze utility relocation projects—often necessary in urban environments—and determine whether protocols like SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) were properly applied.

Learn more on our [Damage Dispute] page.

Construction Defects and Excavation Failures

  • Sometimes the problem isn’t what was hit underground—it’s what wasn’t built right. Shoring failures, unstable trench walls, or improperly installed manholes can result in catastrophic collapses, endangering lives and delaying projects.

    Our experts investigate whether proper soil stabilization occurred, if excavation support complied with OSHA regulations, or if structural components were adequately reinforced. We work to determine not just what failed, but why.

    In one case, a vault collapse in a confined-space environment raised serious questions about material choice and compaction practices. Our analysis revealed that improper backfill sequencing contributed to instability—something easily preventable with the right protocols in place.

Trenchless Technologies and Pipe Installation Methods

  • Innovative techniques like horizontal directional drilling (HDD), jack and bore, or pipe bursting offer efficient alternatives to open trenching—but they’re not risk-free.

    We’ve testified in cases where HDD punctured utilities, where pipe ramming caused misalignment, or where trenchless methods led to unexpected ground subsidence. If the contractor skipped geotechnical analysis or failed to adjust for soil conditions, we’ll find it—and explain it.

    From launch pit safety to the accuracy of bore path calculations, our assessments provide critical clarity in modern underground disputes.

Key Qualifications of a Civil and Underground Construction Expert Witness

Not every engineer or construction manager is qualified to serve as a legal expert. The work requires more than technical knowledge—it demands the ability to communicate clearly, reason logically, and defend complex conclusions under pressure.

At Discovery Experts, every member of our team brings the following to the table:

  • Licensure & Certification: Our experts hold current Professional Engineer (PE) licenses in multiple jurisdictions, and often maintain additional credentials such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or certifications in trench safety, OSHA 30, and confined space entry.

  • Decades of Real-World Experience: We don’t believe in theoretical analysis. Our professionals have managed or consulted on hundreds of projects involving utility installations, trenchless technologies, sewer expansions, and highway-grade infrastructure. They’ve supervised excavation crews, reviewed geotechnical data in the field, and made real-time calls that kept projects safe and compliant.

  • Legal and Forensic Training: Many of our experts have been trained in forensic investigation techniques, construction failure analysis, and the legal principles behind testimony admissibility, such as Daubert standards. They understand what courts look for in an expert—and how to meet those expectations with confidence.

  • Strong Communication Skills: Technical knowledge is meaningless if it can’t be conveyed clearly. Our witnesses are selected not only for their subject-matter expertise, but also for their ability to translate complex construction methodologies into plain English—whether for a jury, a mediator, or a judge.

  • Track Record of Testimony: We’ve provided expert opinions in state and federal courts, arbitration panels, and depositions across North America. Our professionals have been qualified as experts in dozens of jurisdictions, a reflection of their credibility and presentation skills.

It’s this blend of deep field knowledge, technical credentials, and legal awareness that makes our team uniquely suited to support even the most complex underground construction cases.

Underground construction expert reviewing utility plans on site

Why Discovery Experts Stand Out in Construction Litigation

When it comes to construction litigation—particularly in the civil, heavy, and underground sectors—choosing the right expert witness can be the turning point in your case. At Discovery Experts, we bring a combination of field-tested insight, academic rigor, and courtroom presence that is unmatched in the industry.

We don’t just offer opinions—we offer clarity, strategy, and credibility. Our team members have led investigations into multi-million-dollar utility failures, served as lead technical advisors in government hearings, and testified in disputes involving everything from trench collapses to directional drilling explosions. This isn’t theory for us—it’s lived experience.

What truly sets us apart is our ability to work across the full spectrum of litigation support. From the moment you’re facing a potential claim, we’re ready to assist with:

  • Early case consultation: Our pre-litigation support helps you assess technical merits before committing to a legal strategy.

  • Multidisciplinary expertise: We have specialists in pipeline engineering, excavation safety, utility design, construction management, and more.

  • Timely, responsive service: Construction litigation often moves fast—we ensure rapid access to experts and clear communication throughout.

  • Courtroom readiness: Every report we submit and every opinion we deliver is structured to meet the standards of depositions, arbitration, and full trial testimony.

We’re also a trusted partner to law firms, public agencies, general contractors, and insurers. Whether it’s helping a city defend against sewer system failure claims or assisting a subcontractor accused of negligent boring practices, we show up ready to deliver sound, defensible insights.

The Process of Providing Construction Expert Testimony

Initial Case Review and Evidence Collection

  • We begin by analyzing construction drawings, permit records, correspondence, site photos, and incident documentation. We assess what work was done, who was involved, and how it compares to accepted practices.

    If needed, we conduct onsite inspections, sometimes using GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) or other subsurface imaging tools to verify claims or damage extent.

Technical Analysis and Report Generation

  • Our experts apply engineering calculations, ASTM standards, OSHA guidelines, and construction sequencing logic to reach conclusions. We review everything from manhole misalignment to hydro auger vibration effects.

    Every report is structured, detailed, and written to stand up in court or arbitration.

Deposition and Courtroom Testimony

  • Discovery Experts professionals are skilled communicators. We’ve provided successful testimony in state and federal courtrooms, as well as in private arbitration and public hearings.

    Our goal is always the same: explain the technical clearly and convincingly so truth can guide the outcome.

Real-World Trends and Case Studies

The underground construction industry is facing a convergence of aging infrastructure, urban densification, and climate-driven stormwater redesign. Each brings unique legal risk.

We recently supported a multi-party dispute involving a failed jack and bore installation under a river—where miscalculations in thrust force caused bore deviation and pipe damage. In another case, our expert’s early review of conflicting geotechnical data helped a client avoid trial altogether.

Trends like microtunneling, utility bundling, and compressed project schedules only heighten the importance of early expert involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I engage a construction expert witness?

  • The earlier, the better. Bringing in an expert during discovery or pre-litigation gives you the best chance at case clarity and strong positioning.

What types of disputes need expert construction testimony?

  • Common issues include utility strikes, excavation collapse, unsafe trenching, project delays, directional drilling errors, and improperly designed vaults or manholes.

Can your experts help with mediation and insurance evaluations?

  • Absolutely. We’re frequently engaged during claims assessment and mediation stages to provide neutral technical opinions that help both parties resolve disputes efficiently.

What documentation should I prepare for expert review?

  • Plans and specs, photos, daily reports, submittals, safety records, emails, utility maps, SUE data, and inspection logs. The more complete the picture, the stronger the analysis.

Are Discovery Experts’ professionals available nationwide?

  • Yes. We serve clients across the U.S. and Canada, and have experience with regional construction standards and agency specifications.

Discovery Experts has provided Construction Testimony services for such firms as:

Southern California Edison Co.
Vast Networks (CVIN)
Quinn Caterpillar (California)
Vermeer Corporation
Salvation Army
City of Oceanside, CA
City of Glendale, CA
City of Santa Monica, CA
City of Inglewood, CA
City of Kansas City, MO
Gulf & Ship Island R/R Co
Tri-Pointe Homes
Rutan & Tucker Law
Ciancio Ciancio Brown Law
Franko Moroney LLC
Grant Genovese & Baratta LLP
Bullivant Houser Bailey PC, Attorneys
Long & Delis Law
Schumann Rosenberg LLP
Bush & Ramirez PLLC

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Speak to an Expert in Civil, Heavy, Underground Construction Testimony

You don’t get a second chance to prove the facts. Whether you’re facing litigation over a trench collapse, a utility conflict, or a failed directional bore, our experts provide the credible, grounded insight that construction disputes demand.

No-obligation case consultation. We’re ready to help you build your case—layer by layer, line by line.

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Services Areas

  • Headquartered in Temecula, CA.
  • Servicing clients across all of the United States.

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.

Civil, Heavy, Underground Construction Services