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Trenchless construction has changed the way we build. Whether it’s installing fiber optic lines beneath city streets or replacing aging sewer pipes without tearing up the pavement, this no-dig approach is faster, cleaner, and often more cost-effective. But it’s not without its challenges—and when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Disputes over misaligned bores, broken conduits, and costly delays are increasingly common. That’s why legal teams, insurers, and contractors turn to Discovery Experts. Our trenchless construction discovery experts provide the deep technical knowledge and clear communication needed to resolve high-stakes cases. We bridge the gap between underground engineering and courtroom advocacy—helping clients make sense of the unseen and often misunderstood complexities below the surface.
When something fails underground, it’s not always easy to determine why—or who’s at fault. Trenchless construction involves a range of technologies like horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe bursting, and auger boring, each with its own set of risks and technical nuances.
Our experts are seasoned professionals—engineers, contractors, inspectors—who’ve worked in the field and know what to look for. They dive into bore logs, geotechnical reports, and project specs to uncover the real story behind a failure. Was the soil properly classified? Were utilities marked accurately? Did the contractor follow best practices?
Take, for example, a fiber optic line that went down during a directional drilling project. The contractor claimed all lines were located and marked, but our analysis revealed a missing SUE report and inconsistent depth control. That case settled swiftly after we presented our findings.
At the end of the day, what you need is clarity—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Trenchless isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each method comes with its own engineering challenges—and legal vulnerabilities. Our team covers the full spectrum of trenchless technologies, offering insights that few general consultants can match.
If you’re interested in the broader scope of our work beyond trenchless, you can also explore our Civil and Heavy Construction Expert Witness page.
Legal disputes in trenchless construction aren’t just technical—they’re personal, financial, and sometimes even political. Whether the case involves a rural gas utility or a city-wide fiber installation, stakeholders are under pressure to resolve conflicts quickly and credibly.
We offer more than technical opinions—we provide litigation strategy. Our trenchless construction discovery experts help attorneys and insurance professionals:
In one memorable case, our expert reconstructed a directional drill that struck telecom lines during a highway project. Through bore path analysis and time logs, we showed the contractor skipped a final depth verification step. That detail alone turned the tide in mediation.
Our work also supports early resolution. Many of our clients settle or avoid litigation altogether after our findings clarify liability. We collaborate closely with construction lawyers and claims consultants—see how we do it on our Damage Dispute page.
So why do legal teams, insurers, and construction firms choose us over other consultants?
First, we’re not generalists. Our trenchless experts are specialists with years—sometimes decades—of direct experience in underground utility work. They’ve walked job sites, managed trenchless projects, and investigated failures firsthand.
Second, we understand how to communicate. Technical accuracy is essential, but clarity wins cases. Whether writing a report or testifying in court, our experts know how to make complex subjects accessible.
We’ve supported cases across the U.S., including:
And we don’t just serve one side—plaintiffs and defendants alike trust us to deliver unbiased, credible analysis.
Every case is different, but our process is consistently thorough and defensible.
The rise of trenchless technology has come with growing pains. Cities are pushing for no-dig infrastructure, while utilities scramble to meet demand. With that, the industry is seeing more errors, more disputes—and more lawsuits.
Trends we’re watching:
And here’s the kicker: many of these disputes are avoidable. Our experts frequently see the same mistakes—rushed geotechnical reviews, incomplete bore plans, and misinterpreted SUE reports.
In one case, a contractor hit a gas main thinking it was an inactive line. The SUE data labeled it as “Q-B,” but no one on-site knew what that meant. We helped the client settle that case—then updated their training and protocols to prevent future claims.
Discovery Experts has worked alongside attorneys, project managers, and insurers across the country. We’re proud to be the go-to team when trenchless projects hit legal trouble.
Past casework includes:
We’ve supported everything from small local installations to multi-million dollar federal projects. In each case, our goal is the same: uncover the truth, present it clearly, and support our clients through resolution.
When you’re dealing with a trenchless construction dispute, there’s no time to waste—and no room for guesswork. You need experts who understand the ground, the code, and the courtroom.
At Discovery Experts, we provide litigation-ready support for directional drilling incidents, pipe bursting failures, and everything in between. Whether you’re a contractor facing a claim, an attorney building a case, or an insurer sorting through liability, we’re here to help.
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.
