Litigation Specialist

First Acceptance•Marianna, FL

About The Position

The Litigation Specialist handles litigated claims, investigating coverage, liability, compensability, and damages; evaluating new lawsuits; and developing appropriate strategies for claim resolution. The role works with approved defense attorneys to direct litigation, manage legal strategy and costs, assess settlement value against the prospect of trial, negotiate settlements, and apply state-specific insurance laws and regulations. It maintains timely, accurate claim documentation and reserves in accordance with company policy. Although the primary duties are handled inside, attendance at trials, mediations, or depositions may be required. The position requires at least three years of litigation claims handling experience and three years of casualty claims adjusting experience in personal auto insurance. It also requires knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and regulations, medical terminology and human anatomy, and civil procedures, along with strong analytical, communication, negotiation, organizational, and time-management skills. The employee must have or obtain and maintain appropriate state adjuster licenses and continuing education credits. The physical demands include regular use of hands to handle controls, and the ability to talk or hear; frequent sitting, bending, and reaching; and occasional standing, walking, and lifting or moving up to 10 pounds. Close and color vision and the ability to adjust focus are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

At least three years of litigation claims handling experience.
At least three years of casualty claims adjusting experience in personal auto insurance.
Knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and regulations.
Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy.
Knowledge of civil procedures.
Ability to multitask in a time-sensitive environment and handle responsibilities with a sense of urgency.
Thorough knowledge of insurance coverages, contracts, and claims handling guidelines.
Analytical skills to make decisions and resolve issues involved in handling litigated claims.
Strong verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills; ability to present information and respond to questions from management, employees, and customers.
Solid negotiation skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Computer proficiency and ability to learn new applications.
Ability to work independently, think creatively, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to prioritize activities and projects while staying organized.
Ability to process high volumes of work while meeting deadlines.
Hard work, honesty, integrity, and unwavering business ethics.
Must have or secure and maintain appropriate state adjuster license(s) and continuing education credits.
Ability to meet the physical demands described for the position, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling nonstandard personal automobile claims.

Responsibilities

Proactively investigate coverage, liability, compensability, and damages with all parties involved in litigation.
Review and evaluate new lawsuits to determine an appropriate future strategy.
Recognize, monitor, and calendar time-sensitive events, including answer, mediation, and trial dates.
Refer lawsuits to properly approved defense attorneys and direct their handling, including authorization of discovery actions and motions practice.
Review and analyze litigated claims on an ongoing basis, maintain a current 30-day diary on open claims, and provide a clear and concise action plan.
Work with defense counsel to develop and control strategies in consideration of applicable laws and venues, control costs, and determine settlement value versus defense at trial.
Understand and apply state-specific laws and regulations in highly litigious venues across the country.
Direct negotiations with attorneys regarding case settlements.
Stay abreast of legal trends and case law.
Document claim-file notes clearly, using factual and objective information about communications and activities during claim handling.
Establish reserves in accordance with company policy.
Attend trials, mediations, or depositions as required.
Perform other job-related duties and follow job-related instructions as requested by authorized individuals.