Claim Litigation Specialist

Hastings Insurance•Hastings, MI

4d•Remote

About The Position

Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced Claim Litigation Specialist to join its Legal team. The specialist investigates, evaluates, and resolves complex coverage and high-exposure claims, including litigated and non-litigated matters across multiple jurisdictions. The role manages an assigned caseload and works with attorneys, insureds, claimants, and other stakeholders to develop claim and litigation strategies. Responsibilities span coverage evaluation, reserving, settlement negotiation, and participation in legal proceedings. The specialist also serves as a technical resource to fellow 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. Preference is given to candidates in the greater Detroit, Michigan, or Toledo, Ohio, areas because of the frequency of in-person mediations and other litigation proceedings. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional travel is required; overnight travel depends on location and business needs. Candidates outside the preferred geographic area should anticipate approximately 10% overnight travel. Hastings Insurance describes its culture as collaborative and down-to-earth, with initiative valued, growth encouraged, and good work recognized. The company highlights its long history, financial strength, investments in technology and partnerships, and commitment to evolving its products and services. It also states that it is an equal opportunity employer and can provide reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process.

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 effective claim-resolution strategies.
Proven negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to navigate challenging situations while maintaining productive professional relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively 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 meet continuing education requirements, as necessary.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage complex coverage and high-exposure claims, litigated and non-litigated, from investigation through resolution.
Investigate and evaluate claim exposures, analyze policy coverage, and develop claim-handling and settlement strategies.
Collaborate with defense counsel, insureds, claimants, attorneys, and other involved parties to support litigation management and claim resolution.
Evaluate and negotiate settlements within established authority levels.
Establish, evaluate, and maintain 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, and ensure 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 fraud indicators and coordinate appropriate referrals to the Special Investigations Unit.
Serve as a technical resource to claims professionals on complex coverage matters, reserving, litigation strategies, and settlement evaluations; provide guidance and mentorship as appropriate.
Collaborate with internal departments to communicate claim developments, emerging trends, and potential areas of exposure.