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When something goes wrong in a trenchless construction project, it often isn’t obvious at first. The ground may settle unexpectedly, utilities stop functioning, or environmental issues arise weeks later. These aren’t just construction problems—they’re high-stakes legal and financial challenges. That’s where trenchless construction case reviews come in. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in examining these complex failures. Our team brings decades of field and forensic experience to each case, helping clients—from attorneys to contractors—understand what went wrong, why it happened, and who’s responsible. Whether you’re facing a directional drilling mishap or a pipe jacking dispute, our experts can uncover the facts and provide defensible insights that hold up in court or settlement negotiations.
You might be surprised at how many disputes stem from underground work. Trenchless construction—using techniques like horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe ramming, and jack & bore—has become standard for installing utilities with minimal surface disruption. But when there’s a failure, pinpointing the cause can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That’s where we come in.
Discovery Experts helps untangle complex construction disputes involving buried infrastructure. For instance, we’ve reviewed cases where HDD operations accidentally struck fiber optic lines, leaving entire communities without internet. We’ve analyzed pipe bursting jobs that caused unexpected surface heaving, resulting in road damage and business interruption.
In these cases, our role is to provide independent, expert analysis. We don’t take sides—we take facts. Our consultants have the background to speak both construction and legalese, translating technical issues into actionable findings for attorneys, insurance companies, and municipalities.
And as trenchless technologies continue to evolve, the importance of experienced, up-to-date expert reviewers only grows. With our finger on the pulse of industry trends and standards, we ensure your case benefits from the latest insight and analysis.
Trenchless construction might look clean and efficient on the surface, but a lot can go wrong underground. Let’s explore some of the common issues that lead clients to seek out expert reviews.
Not every failure is obvious, and not every claim is fair. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to trenchless case review. Here’s how we help bring clarity to complex situations.
For more on our litigation capabilities, visit Litigation Support
With trenchless projects touching nearly every kind of buried utility, it’s critical that experts understand a wide range of systems. At Discovery Experts, we’ve worked across sectors such as:
Our team includes licensed engineers, trenchless specialists, and seasoned expert witnesses who know what to look for—and how to explain it clearly.
Need proof? We’ve testified in multi-million-dollar gas pipeline cases and guided municipalities through complex insurance disputes after directional drilling failures. To learn more about our team’s background, visit our Experience page
Clients return to us because we deliver what they need: clarity, credibility, and the technical edge to move their case forward.
Our process is thorough, transparent, and tailored to each case. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.
Trenchless construction is expanding fast—especially in dense urban settings where open trenching just isn’t practical. But with that growth comes complexity, and complexity often leads to disputes.
In one case, an HDD operation attempting to install a gas line under a river went off-path and punctured an existing petroleum pipeline. Our analysis revealed that poor bore path planning and lack of real-time tracking led to the failure. The damages exceeded $5 million. With our expert input, the client achieved a favorable arbitration outcome.
Another trend? We’re seeing more cases involving fiber optic infrastructure, especially as municipalities roll out smart city upgrades. Damaging a fiber line doesn’t just cut internet—it can knock out traffic control systems and emergency services. The liability? Huge.
Whether the issue involves pipe ramming through poor soil or a failed environmental compliance audit, these real-world examples underscore one thing: you need experts who understand both the field and the courtroom.
What makes someone qualified to review trenchless construction disputes?
The most reliable experts combine engineering licenses with trenchless field experience and legal exposure. They need to understand how projects should work—and how to communicate that to a jury.
How long does a full case review take?
Most cases take 3–6 weeks, depending on complexity. We offer expedited services when needed, especially for urgent legal timelines.
Can you assist even if we only used one trenchless method?
Absolutely. Whether your project used jack & bore, pipe bursting, or directional drilling, our team can help assess its success—or failure.
We don’t have all the project records. Can you still help?
Yes. We can often work from partial records and help you identify what’s missing and how to obtain it.
Underground doesn’t mean out of sight, out of mind—especially when things go wrong. With trenchless construction disputes, you need clarity, accountability, and expert insight grounded in real-world experience.
Let’s get to the bottom of your dispute—literally and figuratively. Your case deserves expert eyes.
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.