Case Studies

Successful Representation of Workers Permanently Injured by Propane Gas Explosion

Luis Alcalde represented three non-English-speaking Mexican migrant workers injured in Ohio and the spouse of another who was living in Mexico. The three injured workers were severely and permanently injured and disfigured when a propane gas explosion occurred during the construction of a commercial agricultural building. After a lawsuit alleging negligence, unsafe workplace, and products liability was filed, Mr. Alcalde implemented and executed an extremely aggressive discovery and trial schedule. Approximately 40 fact and expert depositions were taken during an 18-month period. This was a complex case given that, at one point, there were more than 15 parties and approximately 30 different lawyers in the case. Additionally, several key depositions required the use of Spanish-speaking translators, which added to the complexity of the case. Shortly before the scheduled trial date, the litigation was settled under a confidentiality agreement. The Spanish-speaking abilities and Latino cultural competence of Mr. Alcalde was instrumental in reaching an outcome to our clients’ complete satisfaction.

Efrain Jimenez-Lopez et.al. v. Farmer Boy AG, Inc., et. al., Court of Common Pleas Fayette County, Ohio, Case No. CVH 20200234

Historic Agreement between U.S. and Cuba Pharmaceutical Companies

Since 2015, our firm has served as counsel to Mercurio Biotech, a start-up U.S. biotech company, throughout a lengthy negotiation process with Cuban state owned biotechnology companies.

This involved advice on complex regulatory, legal and political matters, as well as numerous meetings in Washington, D.C., with U.S. regulators and officials, and many meetings in Havana with Cuban officials to negotiate various agreements. In 2018, these negotiations resulted in agreements between the Cuban company Heber Biotec S.A. and Mercurio Biotec to bring the Cuban diabetic foot ulcer medication Heberprot-P to the United States for clinical trials and, if approved by the FDA, commercialization of Heberprot-P in the U.S. The agreements are historic within the context of U.S.-Cuba political and business relations and Kegler Brown is only the second U.S. law firm to successfully complete any such agreements with Cuba. Kegler Brown continues to provide counsel as these agreements progress into new phases.

Export + International Trade Compliance Advice for University Client

In 2016, Kegler Brown represented a public university with the analysis of obligations under the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms regulations (ITAR), U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations, and sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control related to the release of technology and software to certain countries outside of the United States.

Export Compliance Program Development for a Public University

Since 2013, our firm has represented a public university in the U.S. with the development and operation of an Export Compliance Program. Our role included providing strategic assistance with the creation of risk assessments, as well as advice related to the formation of an export compliance task force. During this process, we assisted with the identification and analysis of export activities throughout the university, the identification and assessment of existing compliance capabilities, and the development of the export compliance program. We continue to provide ongoing training and assistance related to the implementation and assessment of the program.

Federal Export Investigations Assistance

From 2015-2016, Kegler Brown assisted a global freight forwarding company with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Treasury export investigations.

Homeland Security Compliance + Communications for University Client

A public university utilized Kegler Brown’s representation in response to inquiries by the Department of Homeland Security related to restricted research access. Our involvement included the analysis of both contractual and compliance obligations and strategic advice related to communicating with applicable government authorities.

International Spin-off of Dayton Tool Company Assembly Plant

Kegler Brown attorneys recently represented a Dayton, Ohio, tool company (“ToolCo”) in the sale of its subsidiary assembly plant in Mexico City to an international supplier of parts for light-duty trucks. The subsidiary was organized under the laws of Mexico and was subject to Mexican labor law and Mexican contract law. Extensive negotiations were required with Mexican labor organization and Mexican tax authorities.