Casualty Litigation Claim Spec (location specs in job description) at Ohio Farmers Insurance Company in Westfield Center, Ohio

Job Description:

LOCATION:

For external applicants, we are hiring for the Indiana territory.

For existing Westfield employees, we will consider applicants anywhere in Westfield's operating territory.

BUILD YOUR FUTURE, WHILE PROTECTING THEIRS.

You will be challenged. Rewarded. And valued for your unique experience, background and perspective.

Join a team where hard work pays off and original thinking is celebrated. As you build your future at Westfield, you will quickly learn that protecting our customer's future is at the heart of what we do. We deliver on our promise to help restore lives and rebuild businesses when the unexpected happens. Building relationships has been a part of our culture since 1848.

Be a part of a team that recognizes and appreciates those who take initiative, seek opportunity and strive for innovation in a changing world.

Casualty Litigation Claim Specialist Job Summary

Works within broad limits and authority on casualty litigation claim assignments requiring specialized knowledge of personal and commercial lines (including construction defect, transportation, and general liability), litigation, and related processes. Determines coverage, and investigates, analyzes, negotiates and settles litigation claims with moderate to high complexity and high exposure typically requiring outside investigation while delivering quality customer service.

Westfield Casualty Claims resolves third party liability claims involving injury, property damage, construction defect, personal & advertising injury, and environmental cleanup - both pre-suit and in litigation.

Essential Functions (primary functions and/or reasons the job exists in order of importance)

• Quality Claim Handling - Determines whether proper coverage exists for assigned litigation claims. Investigates thoroughly to obtain relevant facts concerning all aspects of the claim, such as coverage, liability, legal climate, potential exposure, and damages, and makes decisions, where appropriate, on litigation claim resolution. Monitors ongoing case development for appropriateness.


• Litigation Process - Develops and maintains effective business relationships with counsel. Responsible for the appropriate assignment of counsel on claim files, monitoring counsel's work product, and partnering with counsel to handle litigation claims in the most efficient manner.


• Damages - Determines the value of the physical damage of property, automobiles, or injuries through inspections and use of appropriate tools. Obtains all necessary documentation to support claim evaluation. Recognizes claim file exposures and escalates appropriately.


• Reserving/Reporting - Establishes and reviews proper reserves for each claim based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and experience. Completes appropriate reports so that the current status of the claim is clearly documented at all times.


• Customer Service - Ensures customer service excellence. Responsible for the customer and agent experience associated with assigned claims.


• Litigation Activities - Attends and actively participates in appropriate litigation activities including meetings, depositions, conferences, hearings, alternative dispute resolution sessions and trials.


• Negotiation/Settlement - Within decision making authority, negotiates timely and appropriate settlements with insureds, claimants, vendors, attorneys, and other insurance companies. Refers claims exceeding authority to appropriate leader or complex claims specialist with recommendations.


• Communication - Maintains effective and ongoing communications with insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, other insurance companies, representatives, vendors, and company personnel.


• Legal Expense Review - Assists in the review of invoices for attorney fees and other expenses submitted by outside counsel to ensure proper expense management.


• Collaboration - Collaborates with internal/external business partners, and large account customers, seeking and/or providing assistance or input when needed. Collaborates with peers and other departments to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.


• Coach/Mentor - Provides technical guidance and assistance to lower level claims professionals and other functional areas.


• Industry Research/Best Practices - Participates in professional industry groups and stays abreast of industry changes, advancements, and jurisdictional issues to communicate, develop, and incorporate best practices into the claims business. Shares new information, best practices, and processes.


• Leader Assistance - May travel to assist in complex claims, or may substitute for other leaders.


• Travel - Travels as often as needed including regular utilization of assigned fleet vehicle in order to cover assigned territory. This may involve traveling on short notice or other daily driving duties as assigned regardless of location.

Desired Qualifications/Experience/Certification/Education (in order of importance)

• 5 or more years of experience handling moderate to high complexity casualty claims.


• Two or more years of litigation claims handling experience.


• Previous commercial lines contract review experience.


• Construction defect, transportation, and/or general liability experience.


• Experience negotiating claims and handling conflict.


• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Experience with Microsoft Windows, Outlook, and Excel or transferable software packages.


• Experience using a claims management system e.g. Guidewire or diary management system to accurately document file activities.


• Holds and maintains appropriate adjuster licensing and certification(s) in assigned territories and will obtain additional licensing based upon business needs.


• Industry recognized designation, such as CPCU, SCLA, AIC, etc.


• Valid driver's license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.


• Bachelor's Degree or commensurate experience.

Physical Requirements (specific to the role)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work effectively in an office environment for 40+ hours per week (including sitting, standing and working on a computer for extended periods of time).


• Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative work environment utilizing various technologies such as: telephone, computer, web, voice, teleconferencing, e-mail etc.


• Ability to travel as required.


• Ability to operate an automobile within the parameters of the driving policy.


• Ability to drive for extended periods of time, under a variety of conditions, including night driving.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center and casual dress. Work-life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield.

To learn more about Westfield and the opportunities available, please visit us at westfieldinsurance.com.

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We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.