Consultant, Claims - Indemnity Specialty (Silica)

Nationwide•Oconomowoc, WI

1d•$97,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This claims professional will investigate and maintain specialty claims - primarily silica claims; and possibly some asbestos and other toxic tort. Participates in claim reviews, claim roundtables and other meetings with other claims representatives and management to discuss issues and emerging trends in toxic tort litigation. Reviews and gives input in all levels to case strategy in each case. Ensures that defense counsel complies with Nationwide guidelines and expectations. Adopts and implements strategic litigation initiatives, such as tolling agreements, resolution of lung cancer cases, motion practice, group settlements or other alternate means of resolving cases. Our team handles some of the most unique and interesting insurance claims at Nationwide. As a Claims Consultant, you'll work within broad limits and authority on specialty claims assignments of the highest technical complexity and coordination. We'll count on you to investigate and maintain specialty claims - asbestos, toxic tort and/or pollution or sexual molestation.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in related field preferred.
Post-graduate studies preferred.
State licensing where required.
Relevant professional designations or certifications desirable (CPCU, CLU, IIA, AEI, etc.)
Eight years of specialty claims experience preferred.
Proven superior knowledge of the best claims practices used to resolve the most sever and technically complex claims.
Demonstrated knowledge of insurance contracts and legal aspects affecting regulatory and liability issues that relate to environmental and other specialty claims.
Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide outstanding service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Ability to lead and train employees in all aspects of specialty claims review.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills for interaction with technical professionals, insureds, federal agencies, the legal profession and other insurance companies.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.
Must be able to make physical inspection of loss sites, work irregular hours and travel with possible overnight requirements.
Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit and/or background check will be required as well as a valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Environmental claims experience is a highly preferred.
Technical Knowledge: environmental dangers or environmental legal cases
Additional experience in silica or asbestos claims experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Completes detailed review and analysis of claims.
Investigates liability and damages.
Brings files to closure, either by voluntary dismissals or by negotiation of settlements.
Resolves amount of appropriate settlements or grounds for denial.
Assists in the drafting of settlement documents.
Provides reserve analysis to ensure timely and accurate case reserves in according to optimal claims practices.
Negotiates cost sharing agreements between other insurance carriers and policyholders.
Maintains current knowledge of assigned insurance lines, court decisions which may impact the claims function, current guidelines and policy changes and modifications.
Creates and analyzes severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to corporate office, Claims Management and Underwriting.
Performs continuous review of claims inventory.
Prepares appropriate internal reports, memos and analysis on a regular basis.
Determines duty to defend and selects defense counsel as appropriate.
Closely monitors outside counsel's work product.
Reviews and gives input in all levels to interrogatories, etc. in each case.
Manages litigation when appropriate.
Serves as company witness on coverage position at depositions.
Attends mediation sessions in attempt to resolve claims.
Prepares legal audits at various law firms.
Provides advice, counsel and training to Claims Representatives of all levels.
Provides specialized training and consultation to non-claims areas as requested.
Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.
Serves as lead Claims representative in area of specialty.
Serves as back-up to claims management.
Assists with selection and training of new representatives.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.