Litigation Representative

Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies•Waverly, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

To provide efficient investigation, evaluation, supervision, and disposition of firstparty casualty claims in litigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, CPCU, or equivalent experience required.
Basic insurance course and medical interpretation courses required.
Minimum five years of experience with litigated claims required.
Extensive knowledge of claims procedures and practices and of no-fault coverage required.
Knowledge of tort, workers’ compensation, and contract law pertaining primarily to the handling of claims and of medical terminology, anatomy and rehabilitation required.
Extensive knowledge of insurance contracts written by the company, and ability to interpret insurance contracts required.
Valid driver license with an acceptable driving record required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience handling Michigan Assigned Claim Plan (MACP) claims preferred.
Knowledge and experience with Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) reporting and practices preferred.
Background in handling SIU claims and functions, or the willingness to learn preferred.
Designations in AIC, AINS, SCLA, or other insurance related designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Retain detailed knowledge of the Michigan law, especially the No-Fault Automobile Act, MCL 500.3101, Negligence, Products and Insurance contract law, civil procedure, and Michigan Evidence law.
Review and advise of changes in statutory law, case law, and legal practice as it pertains to the handling of claims and management of litigation.
Participate in meetings, round-table discussions, and other collaborative efforts, providing others with constructive criticisms, encouragement, and advice in the handling of individual claims.
Encourage best practices in the handling of claims by providing an example to all by making timely and accurate notes of matters relevant to a given claim in a file, noting in the file advice given to file handlers or ensuring that a record of the advice and rationale for the advice are in the file, and providing a recorded opinion of an appropriate POA for a file.
Monitor the performance of retained counsel in their handling of claims and provide advice within the company regarding the selection of attorneys to provide services for the company.
Support development and implementation of strategies to reduce legal expense.
Investigate claims timely and equitably.
Manage litigation as assigned.
Maintain timely contact with insureds, apprising of pertinent information.
Evaluate and advise Underwriting Department of questionable risks.
Review medical bills for proper payment.
Develop and maintain a personal training program for enhancement of job skills and attainment of personal career development goals.
Work with computer systems keying functions, including but not limited to letter composition, log entry, dairy entry, report of investigation composition and draft production.
Resolve concerns/complaints, within authorization, received concerning claim settlement procedures and actions in a timely manner.
Develop professional relationships with attorneys, physicians and claims related professionals, both inside and outside the company.
Participate with defense counsel in court appearances, including depositions and trials.
Assist adjusters in the development of a litigation plan, and in learning how to identify strategic points for the resolution of litigation on favorable terms consistent with the company’s long-term interest and in a way to minimize unproductive litigation expense.
Foster an attitude in adjusters, team leaders, retained counsel, and others favorable toward an early, realistic, and candid analysis of liability and damages.
Foster an attitude favorable toward change, and a willingness to adapt to a changing legal, technical and managerial environment.
Encourage adjusters, team leaders and others to freely collaborate in the analysis of cases and the development and implementation of best practices.
Discuss with management any concerns regarding handling or developments of a given file.
Encourage and foster early and appropriate reserving of files based on the best and most current information available.
Communicate with the Litigation manager regarding current activities, files that need review for reserve change exceeding $100,000, and cases that have the potential for significant adverse development.