Claim Litigation Specialist

Hastings Insurance Company•Hastings, MI

5d•Remote

About The Position

Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced Claim Litigation Specialist to join its Legal team. This role investigates, evaluates, and resolves complex coverage and high-exposure claims, including litigated and non-litigated matters across multiple jurisdictions. The specialist manages an assigned caseload and works with attorneys, insureds, claimants, and other stakeholders to develop claim and litigation strategies. Responsibilities include evaluating coverage, establishing reserves, negotiating settlements, and participating in legal proceedings to achieve fair, timely, and cost-effective resolutions. The specialist also serves as a technical resource to other claims professionals, sharing expertise in coverage interpretation, litigation management, and settlement strategies. This is a full-time, salaried, remote position for candidates residing in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Preference is given to candidates in the greater Detroit, Michigan, or Toledo, Ohio, areas because of in-person mediations and other litigation proceedings. Occasional travel is required; candidates outside the preferred areas should anticipate approximately 10% overnight travel, depending on location and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of insurance education and professional experience.
At least five years of progressively responsible property and casualty insurance claims experience.
Knowledge of complex coverage issues, high-exposure claims, litigation processes, and settlement negotiations.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate complex information and develop claim resolution strategies.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to navigate challenging situations while maintaining professional relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with attorneys, policyholders, claimants, and internal stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to independently manage competing priorities and a complex caseload.
Proficiency with claims management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable state adjuster licenses and continuing education requirements, as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of claims experience, including commercial claims and litigation handling.
Professional insurance designation, or active pursuit of a designation.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of complex coverage and high-exposure claims, including litigated and non-litigated matters, from investigation through resolution.
Investigate and evaluate claim exposures, analyze applicable policy coverage, and develop claim-handling and settlement strategies.
Collaborate with defense counsel, insureds, claimants, attorneys, and other parties to support litigation management and claim resolution.
Evaluate and negotiate settlements within established authority levels.
Establish, evaluate, and maintain appropriate claim reserves based on exposure, anticipated costs, and potential settlement or litigation outcomes.
Participate in mediations, arbitrations, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings as necessary.
Identify and pursue subrogation, salvage, and loss-mitigation opportunities while ensuring cost-effective use of outside vendors and professional services.
Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely claim documentation in accordance with company procedures, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Identify potential indicators of fraud and coordinate appropriate referrals to the Special Investigations Unit.
Provide guidance and mentorship to claims professionals on complex coverage matters, reserving, litigation strategies, and settlement evaluations.
Collaborate with internal departments to communicate claim developments, emerging trends, and potential areas of exposure.