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In today’s fast-paced infrastructure environment, trenchless construction has become a go-to method for installing underground utilities without tearing up streets or disrupting communities. But while these techniques reduce surface impact, they can introduce new challenges—particularly when things go wrong beneath the surface. When a directional drill veers off course, a pipe bursting operation damages nearby utilities, or miscommunication leads to costly delays, disputes often follow. Litigation? That’s expensive, slow, and combative. Instead, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) offers a smarter path—one that resolves conflict faster, more affordably, and with less friction. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in helping stakeholders navigate trenchless construction disputes through mediation, arbitration, and expert analysis. With a blend of engineering insight and legal fluency, our team helps clients cut through complexity and reach resolution without dragging their case into court.
Trenchless technology has revolutionized how underground infrastructure is installed—whether it’s fiber optic lines snaking through a downtown corridor or a new sewer main tunneling beneath a freeway. But for all its innovation, trenchless construction is still a high-risk endeavor.
Why? Because no matter how much you plan, you can’t always see what’s happening below ground. A misread soil report. An undocumented utility line. Groundwater intrusion. Any one of these can derail a project—and spark a serious dispute between owners, contractors, and engineers.
That’s where ADR comes in. Instead of heading to court, parties can sit down with a neutral expert—someone who understands the technical issues and can help guide the process toward a fair outcome. At Discovery Experts, our role is to deliver exactly that kind of support. We help unravel what happened, why it happened, and what it means for the parties involved.
Think of us as translators between the legal world and the field crews on site. We bring clarity to confusion and help projects move forward—even after trust has broken down.
Trenchless construction isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are dozens of techniques in use today, each with its own risks and technical requirements. Our team brings hands-on experience across the full spectrum—including:
But trenchless technology is only part of the picture. Disputes often reflect the utility type and industry regulations involved:
Because we understand both the engineering method and the industry context, we’re equipped to offer comprehensive support—whether it’s a missed deadline or a multimillion-dollar claim over pipeline misalignment.
In trenchless disputes, opinions aren’t enough—you need facts, analysis, and defensible conclusions. That’s where expert witnesses come in.
When you bring Discovery Experts into your ADR process, you’re not just hiring someone to show up and testify. You’re engaging a partner who will:
We’ve provided expert testimony for trenchless disputes involving public agencies, contractors, and utility companies. Whether you need help preparing your case or want someone to serve as a neutral third-party evaluator, we’re ready to step in.
For more on our litigation support, visit our Construction Expert Witness page.
When disputes arise, it’s easy to think, “Let’s take it to court.” But that often makes things worse. Litigation drags on, sours working relationships, and eats into budgets. Worse, it can stall critical infrastructure improvements that communities rely on.
ADR offers a better way. Through mediation, arbitration, or neutral evaluations, parties can reach outcomes that are:
In trenchless construction, ADR isn’t just convenient—it’s often essential. Because the problems are buried (literally), you need someone who can interpret subsurface data, construction logs, and design specs with accuracy. We provide that technical foundation, helping both sides understand the truth and reach agreement.
You can’t fake expertise in trenchless construction. Our team includes civil engineers, trenchless construction professionals, geotechnical consultants, and legal experts—all of whom have real-world experience in projects involving:
We also understand the legal implications of our findings. Our experts know how to write reports that are credible, clear, and admissible—whether we’re presenting in arbitration or testifying in court.
Want to see how our team supports complex utility claims? Check out our Damage Dispute service page.
Our approach starts with one simple goal: to uncover the facts. Every case is different, but our process generally follows these steps:
This structured approach keeps things moving forward. Our work doesn’t just support your case—it often helps both sides reach agreement before a hearing is even necessary.
Here’s one example: In a recent case, a contractor was accused of damaging a telecom conduit during an HDD installation. The owner claimed improper bore steering; the contractor blamed bad mapping data. We were brought in as a neutral evaluator. After reviewing bore logs, GPS data, and soil reports, we determined that the mapping provided to the contractor was outdated—and the conduit had been installed years later without utility coordination. The result? A mediated settlement that saved both parties hundreds of thousands in litigation costs.
And it’s not an isolated case.
Across the industry, we’re seeing:
These trends all point to one thing: the need for experienced, technically informed dispute resolution partners.
Discovery Experts has worked with public agencies, contractors, and engineering firms to resolve high-stakes trenchless construction conflicts. Our clients trust us because:
No matter the scope of your project or the nature of the dispute, we bring clarity, credibility, and calm to even the most contentious situations.
Disputes in trenchless construction are often hidden until they cause major damage, delay, or legal conflict. When they do, you need more than just legal advice—you need a team that understands the methods, materials, and machinery that led to the problem in the first place.
At Discovery Experts, that’s exactly what we provide. With decades of combined experience in construction, engineering, and dispute resolution, we offer objective insight and technical clarity that helps move your case toward resolution.
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.