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In today’s construction landscape, trenchless technology is often hailed as a modern miracle. It saves time, reduces surface disruption, and keeps urban infrastructure running smoothly while repairs or installations happen underground. But when something goes wrong—and it often does—the results can be catastrophic. A cracked sewer line, a severed fiber optic cable, a gas leak from a ruptured pipe—any one of these can lead to costly litigation, insurance claims, and project delays. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in resolving trenchless construction damage disputes. With deep industry knowledge and litigation-ready technical insight, we assist attorneys, insurance adjusters, municipalities, and construction professionals in uncovering the facts, identifying liability, and presenting clear, court-defensible findings. Whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending one, you deserve expert guidance from professionals who understand both the construction site and the courtroom.
Trenchless construction methods have become standard in modern infrastructure development. From fiber optic cable installation to water main repairs, techniques like horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and pipe bursting allow crews to work beneath the surface with minimal surface disruption.
But here’s the truth: the lack of visibility underground doesn’t mean there’s less risk. In fact, it can create more uncertainty—and more potential for serious damage.
Picture this: a contractor begins a bore path for a fiber optic line beneath a residential street. What they don’t realize is that outdated utility maps missed a shallow gas line. Within hours, that line is pierced, causing a gas leak and forcing evacuations. This isn’t hypothetical—it’s a scenario our experts have investigated.
Common causes of trenchless construction damage include:
The results can be destructive and dangerous—and they often spark legal disputes that hinge on complex technical details.
Determining liability isn’t always straightforward. Was the contractor negligent? Was the utility improperly marked? Did the municipality provide flawed maps?
In trenchless construction claims, multiple parties may share responsibility. That’s why objective expert analysis is essential to untangle the timeline, identify failures in standard of care, and establish what actually happened.
If your case involves unclear liability, our Site Inspection Services can help clarify the technical facts and provide the defensible support your legal team needs.
Not every engineer can testify in court, and not every legal expert understands the dynamics of a pipe ramming operation. That’s what sets Discovery Experts apart—we bridge the technical and legal worlds seamlessly.
When a trenchless construction project leads to damage, our team steps in with a combination of engineering acumen and courtroom-ready communication. Our services include:
Whether your role is defense or plaintiff, we ensure your side is represented with credible, fact-based evidence.
We’ve worked alongside:
If you’re unsure whether your case needs expert witness support, a quick consultation can often provide clarity. Visit our Litigation Support Services page to see how we help from pre-litigation through trial.
No trenchless project happens in a vacuum. Whether you’re crossing beneath roads or under rivers, there’s always something in the way. And when a mistake is made, it’s often one of these systems that takes the hit:
Each of these systems requires specific knowledge to evaluate damage and causation. That’s why our team includes experts with backgrounds in multiple utility types, from telecom to petroleum.
Let’s dig a little deeper—pun intended—into the trenchless techniques most often cited in damage disputes. Each method has its benefits, but also specific risks.
Every case we handle starts with one thing: clarity. Whether you’re dealing with a $20,000 claim or a multimillion-dollar lawsuit, our goal is to provide answers rooted in facts, not assumptions.
This approach ensures every aspect of the claim is accounted for—from initial damage assessment to final resolution.
There are a lot of consulting firms out there—but few who truly understand both the science of construction and the strategy of litigation. That’s our sweet spot.
Here’s why clients across North America trust us:
Explore our broader Construction Damage Dispute for related areas where we can support your team.
What is trenchless construction and how can it go wrong?
Trenchless construction includes techniques like HDD and pipe bursting that avoid open excavation. Damage occurs when planning is poor, subsurface conditions are misjudged, or utilities are inaccurately marked.
When should I involve an expert witness?
As soon as technical liability becomes a question—especially if litigation or insurance claims are involved. A neutral, knowledgeable expert can strengthen your position early.
Can you help determine who’s at fault?
Yes. We investigate causation thoroughly—examining equipment, field conditions, plans, and personnel actions to provide objective findings.
Do you support both plaintiffs and defendants?
Absolutely. We’re focused on facts, not sides. Our goal is to help you understand the truth and prepare the strongest case possible.
Every trenchless damage dispute is different—but all benefit from experienced, independent analysis. If your project is facing a claim, lawsuit, or investigation, don’t go it alone.
Let Discovery Experts bring clarity and confidence to your case.
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.