Biography
Aníbal A. Román Medina is an Associate in the Litigation Department at O’Neill & Borges LLC, where he has practiced since 2020. Aníbal advises and represents clients in complex civil and commercial litigation, including matters involving torts, contractual disputes, health law, antitrust, distribution and franchising, product liability, and insurance recovery claims.
His practice extends across federal and Puerto Rico local courts, as well as arbitration forums. He also advises clients on compliance and administrative matters before multiple Puerto Rico agencies and regulatory bodies, including the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (“ASES”), the Puerto Rico’s Department of Health (“DSPR”), the Department of Consumer Affairs (“DACO”), and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (“OCS”). Aníbal has gained trial and hearing experience through his work in injunction proceedings, a 23-day final hearing before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) concerning the non-renewal of a distribution relationship under Puerto Rico’s Dealer’s Act (“Law 75”), and major insurance recovery trials.
Aníbal is recognized for his leadership and unwavering dedication to client advocacy. Peers describe him as a disciplined and determined litigator who is willing to go to the trenches to protect clients’ interests. His approach reflects a strong sense of strategy and coordination, ensuring that every action is executed with precision and purpose. Beyond litigation, Aníbal counsels clients on compliance and risk-management strategies designed to prevent disputes and support long-term business goals.
Vivian I. Neptune Rivera & Aníbal A. Román Medina, Análisis de las Opiniones del Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico en materia de Derecho Probatorio durante el término 2018-2019, 89 Rev. Jur. UPR 535 (2020).
- Represented a global medical technology company in antitrust litigation under Puerto Rico’s Monopoly Act, involving claims of market monopolization and price discrimination, that resulted in a favorable settlement.
- Represented a national leading healthcare insurance company in contract and damages litigation in state court, seeking recovery of more than $78 million in unpaid amounts arising from multiple government health program agreements. The case involved complex issues of federal Medicaid funding, managed care administration, and reconciliation of risk adjustment and quality incentive payments. Aníbal helped implement a strategy that resulted in a favorable multimillion-dollar settlement for the company. He also represented the company in matters arising from provider-initiated claims before administrative and state courts.
- Advising Sojitz de Puerto Rico, Corp., the distributor of Hyundai and Genesis motor vehicles in Puerto Rico, in AAA arbitration against an underperforming dealer to determine whether there was just cause for non-renewal of the parties’ relationship under Law 75. Aníbal served as second chair during a complex 23-day final hearing. A final resolution is pending.
- Representing a Federally Qualified Health Center in a long-standing federal action before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico to enforce Medicaid “wraparound” payment obligations under 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(bb), among other issues. The litigation has involved extensive proceedings before a Special Master and multiple rounds of court-ordered mediation aimed at securing compliance by the Commonwealth with federal funding requirements.
- Represented the homeowners’ associations of three condominium complexes in state court cases for insurance recovery against MAPFRE PRAICO Insurance Company related to Hurricane María property damage. Aníbal was part of the team that leveraged early mediation to achieve efficient resolutions and avoid protracted litigation.
- Successfully defended a global fashion brand specializing in travel and lifestyle accessories against a request for preliminary injunctive relief under Law 75. The United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico denied the injunction and clarified the evidentiary standards governing “just cause” and the limits of equitable relief available to distributors under Law 75. See E. Moran, Inc. v. Tomgal, LLC, No. 22-1647 (ADC-GLS), 2023 WL 3194682 (D.P.R. May 2, 2023), report and recommendation adopted, No. 22-1647 (ADC), 2023 WL 6307000 (D.P.R. Sept. 28, 2023). Aníbal was part of the team that shaped the defense and discovery strategy that led to a favorable settlement.
- Counseling clients in disputes and regulatory compliance matters before ASES, OCS, DACO, and DSPR.
- Defending a major international sports governing body in federal antitrust litigation before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The case involves allegations challenging the organizational structure and regulatory framework of professional football on the island. Plaintiffs assert claims of purported restraints of trade and seek multimillion-dollar damages tied to the sanctioning of local competitions.
- Representing global manufacturers of electric appliances and medical devices in product liability actions pending before federal and state courts in Puerto Rico.
- Counseling clients in state court cases for insurance recovery against Multinational Insurance Company of Puerto Rico stemming from Hurricane María-related property damage.
- Successfully represented high-profile executives of a brokerage firm in expungement proceedings related to FINRA arbitrations.
- Representing PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC in multi-phase insurance litigation against One Alliance Insurance Company, stemming from Hurricane María damage to more than 140 properties within a distressed asset portfolio. Before the firm assumed representation, a court had divided the case into thirteen separate municipal actions, resulting in one of Puerto Rico’s most procedurally complex insurance recoveries. As part of the litigation team, Aníbal helped design the firm’s coordinated strategy, integrating offensive summary judgment practice, res judicata principles, and strategically sequenced trial and appellate proceedings. The firm continues to litigate a final phase involving approximately $7 million in disputed losses while actively pursuing execution proceedings across multiple courts.
- Represented a client in complex commercial litigation before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico involving claims of breach of contract, conversion, and rescission of fraudulent conveyances. The client sought a multimillion-dollar recovery arising from defaults and fraudulent transfers tied to Paycheck Protection Program loan collateral and related agreements. Aníbal was part of the team that secure a favorable settlement.
- Represented a provider of educational and social services in Puerto Rico, in federal litigation stemming from a fatal accident involving one of its transportation vehicles. Plaintiffs sought over $8 million in damages, alleging negligence. After extensive discovery and motion practice, including securing the exclusion of key evidence due to spoliation, Aníbal was part of the team of attorneys who leveraged the pressure of an imminent jury trial to negotiate a favorable settlement for the client.
- Represented John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) in multiple lawsuits involving competing claims to life insurance benefits and allegations of fraud in beneficiary designations. Aníbal helped develop and execute litigation strategies that insulated the client from broader inheritance disputes and facilitated early, cost-effective resolutions aligned with its business objectives.