Casualty/Liability Claim Specialist

Western Reserve Group•Wooster, OH

11d•$77,432 - $120,022•Onsite

About The Position

The Casualty Claims Specialist manages high-exposure, multifaceted insurance claims requiring advanced skills in coverage analysis, litigation management, legal and medical document review, and negotiation to achieve economical, defensible resolutions. These roles involve working with minimal supervision, potentially mentoring others, and demands significant experience in complex claims handling and litigation. This role is responsible for determining coverage, assessing liability, establishing and adjusting reserves, evaluating claims, managing litigation, and negotiating settlements within assigned authority limits across multiple lines of business, including Homeowners, Personal Auto, Commercial Auto, Commercial Liability, Businessowners and Farm Liability. The Claims Specialist conducts thorough investigations to determine liability for all involved parties while delivering exceptional customer service that protects policyholders and safeguards company assets. Demonstrating strong expertise and sound judgment in complex matters, the Claims Specialist may serve as a subject matter expert and manages a designated caseload of casualty losses in compliance with company standards and applicable regulatory requirements (IC 27-4-1 / ORC 3901-1-54).

Requirements

Residency in Ohio or Indiana.
Experience in analyzing, adjusting, and settling litigated claims under Homeowners, Personal Auto, Business Auto, Commercial General Liability, Businessowners, and Farm policies.
College Degree or Equivalent Experience
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Excellent Interpersonal Skills
Superior Organizational Skills
Efficient Time Management skills
Ability to Demonstrate effective negotiation skills
The individual must be able to effectively and clearly communicate with agents, insureds, departmental and company personnel via telephone, fax, e-mail, one-on-one dialogue and small group presentations in a professional manner.
The position requires the individual to apply common sense, understanding, reasoning and sound educated judgement coupled with sound Claims training and experience to properly evaluate and analyze claims for recommended action within assigned authority levels.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years as a Sr. Claim Representative or equivalent preferred
IIA, AIC, or CPCU are highly preferred

Responsibilities

Determines whether proper coverage exists for the type of claim assigned.
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 claim resolution.
Monitors ongoing case development for appropriateness.
Determines the value of the physical damage of property, automobiles, or injuries through physical inspections and use of appropriate tools.
Obtains all necessary documentation to support claim evaluation.
Recognizes claim file exposures and escalates appropriately.
Establishes and reviews proper reserves for each claim based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and experience.
Completes appropriate reports so that the status of the claim is clearly documented at all times.
Determines need for, and engages independent adjusters, cause and origin experts, independent medical examiners or other experts (e.g. reconstructionist, engineer).
Proficiently and proactively handle the claim file through various phases of litigation.
Independently review the applicability of coverage and civil law as well as local statutes.
Attend mandatory and court ordered litigation events: mediation, pre-trial, trial.
Keeps abreast of existing and proposed legislation, court decisions and trends and experience pertaining to coverage, liability and damages.
May analyze the impact upon claims policies and procedures and advises Claims Management.
Participates in or leads special projects and mentors others, as needed.
Initiate prompt and effective communication with all parties having legal or contractual interest in claim presented.
Draft clear and concise letters and other correspondence.
Accountable for security of financial processing of claims, as well as security information contained in claims files.
Confers directly with policyholders on coverage and resolution issues pursuant to Home Office instructions.
Prepare claims for trial, comply with trial alert procedures and notify/update reinsurance when appropriate.
Participate in training programs, conferences and departmental and intra-departmental meetings.
May be required to be on-call, on a limited basis, for afterhours emergencies.
Any other duties deemed necessary by supervisor or management.