- Call or Text:
- 951-760-1866
Trenchless construction has revolutionized the way we install and repair underground utilities. Techniques like horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe bursting, and jack-and-bore allow for faster, less disruptive infrastructure work. But while the technology offers clear advantages, it’s not without its challenges—and when those challenges turn into legal disputes, the consequences can be costly. That’s where Discovery Experts comes in. Our trenchless construction litigation support services are designed to help legal teams, insurers, and contractors make sense of complex underground failures. We bring technical precision, regulatory knowledge, and real-world field experience to every case—because when utilities fail below the surface, you need more than just surface-level expertise.
When a trenchless construction project goes off the rails, the fallout can be substantial. Struck utility lines, drilling fluid blowouts, environmental violations, and schedule delays often lead to high-stakes litigation. So, how do you prove what went wrong—and who’s responsible?
That’s where expert litigation support becomes critical. At Discovery Experts, our professionals work alongside legal teams to dissect the facts and uncover the technical truth. Our role often starts with a forensic review of project documentation—bore logs, geotechnical reports, utility maps, and regulatory permits. But it doesn’t stop there. We analyze how trenchless methods were executed, whether best practices were followed, and how those decisions contributed to a failure.
Take, for example, a recent case involving a pit launch directional drill used under a highway. A utility strike led to a massive outage and a flurry of legal action. Our team determined the contractor deviated from the approved bore path due to a misread of soil conditions—an insight that turned the tide in arbitration.
In litigation, technical clarity is power. With Discovery Experts on your side, you gain a partner that brings both engineering insight and courtroom credibility.
No two trenchless construction disputes are exactly alike—but many share common patterns of failure. From the drawing board to post-installation issues, our team is equipped to provide support across a wide range of challenges.
To see more of how we support construction disputes beyond trenchless work, visit our construction litigation expert witness services.
Not all underground utilities are created equal. Installing a gas main through HDD is a very different beast from running fiber optic cable or replacing aging sewer lines. That’s why industry-specific knowledge matters—immensely.
Let’s say a telecom company sues a contractor over a severed fiber optic line. Without understanding bend radius limits, pull tensions, and optical signal loss, an expert might miss the nuances that matter most in the case. Or consider a storm drain project with unintended groundwater infiltration. A generic construction expert may flag a leak but miss the failure in joint sealing standards that led to it.
At Discovery Experts, we match professionals to your industry: petroleum, electric, telecom, water, sewer—you name it. This tailored approach ensures that our insights go beyond the surface and into the heart of your sector’s engineering and compliance standards.
When we say we’re “experts,” we mean we’ve been in the field, seen the consequences of poor trenchless execution firsthand, and know what questions to ask. That’s the difference between a report that tells you what happened—and one that explains why it matters.
Credentials matter—especially when a case goes to trial. At Discovery Experts, we don’t just provide people with resumes. We offer professionals with track records.
Our team includes:
We also maintain a pulse on regulatory changes and industry standards, so our opinions are grounded in current practice—not outdated protocol. Unlike some firms that take a “one size fits all” approach, we pair each case with a subject matter expert who knows the technology, the industry, and the courtroom.
Need an HDD expert familiar with municipal codes? We’ve got one. A pipeline litigation specialist with petrochemical experience? Covered. Our team’s diversity is your strategic advantage.
Want to browse additional disciplines we offer? Check out our construction discovery experts overview.
We know litigation is time-sensitive and stressful. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to deliver clarity and results—fast.
In one case, a contractor performing directional drilling for a sewer line under a protected wetland caused an inadvertent drilling fluid return. The environmental agency imposed fines, and litigation ensued. Our expert proved the bore path deviated from the approved alignment due to insufficient soil testing—critical information that led to a favorable settlement for the client.
We’re also seeing a spike in disputes related to urban trenchless projects, where utility congestion is high and permitting is increasingly complex. Cases now often hinge not just on what went wrong, but on who misunderstood permitting restrictions or failed to coordinate with utility owners.
As trenchless technology expands into high-risk, high-density environments, the demand for precise, well-credentialed expert testimony is only growing.
What types of trenchless methods do you support?
We cover a full range, including HDD, pipe ramming, auger boring, pipe bursting, and hydro auger operations.
How early should I bring in an expert?
The earlier the better. We can help during contract review, claim development, mediation, and trial preparation.
Do you assist insurance providers?
Absolutely. We frequently work with insurers handling claims related to trenchless utility damage or construction defects.
Can you help explain findings to a jury?
Yes. Our experts are skilled at breaking down complex technical issues into plain language, supported by graphics or site models when needed.
Here’s why Discovery Experts is the smart choice when trenchless construction issues lead to legal action:
Our professionals don’t just talk the talk—they’ve walked job sites, managed trenchless crews, and helped resolve high-profile disputes. When you need expertise that holds up in court, we deliver.
Need clarity on a trenchless construction dispute? Looking for testimony that can withstand cross-examination? Discovery Experts is ready to help.
We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide the strategic support you need to succeed.
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.