Senior Litigation Attorney

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

80d

About The Position

This position involves identifying, investigating, analyzing, and evaluating medical, legal, and fiscal issues related to covered claims against SIP participants. The role requires managing litigation processes, coordinating and resolving claims, and identifying risk factors. The Senior Litigation Attorney will also review contracts, provide administrative support for healthcare providers facing proceedings, and perform other assigned duties. This role requires extensive interaction with faculty, staff, and administrators from various medical colleges and affiliated facilities across Florida, as well as travel for depositions and trials.

Requirements

Law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.)
Five years of experience in the legal, medical, or healthcare fields.
Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Medical malpractice claims handling experience
Knowledge of tort law
Knowledge of health care systems
Knowledge of risk management techniques
Demonstrated competency in medical research
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Internet research skills
Ability to perform under great pressure in a multi-tasking environment
Ability to interact with individuals of all social and economic backgrounds
Good native intelligence

Responsibilities

Identify, investigate, analyze, and evaluate medical, legal, and fiscal issues related to covered claims (potential or asserted) against SIP participants.
Conduct full factual investigations of assigned claims files and evaluate claims in terms of negligence, causation, and compensable damages.
Present initial claims summaries to SIP internal committees and prepare claim summaries with indemnity and allocated loss expense reserve recommendations.
Serve as advisor to and investigator for the SIP Program Council and its Claims and Litigation Committee.
Coordinate and manage litigation processes in defense of lawsuits filed based on covered claims.
Monitor and continue the full factual investigation of asserted claims through litigation.
Coordinate and ensure timely response to interrogatories and production.
Track the progress of all assigned cases in litigation to ensure an aggressive proactive defense and claims resolution within the timeframe set by SIP management.
Initiate employment and retention of experts, and prepare witnesses for depositions and trials.
Assist in selecting outside legal counsel and participating at all significant hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
Coordinate, manage, and resolve (including denying, settling, or defending) all covered claims with or without notice of intent (potential or asserted), against SIP participants.
Coordinate, manage, and execute all pre-suit legal and administrative processes required by Florida statute.
Manage and resolve all assigned covered claims (potential or asserted), against entities and individuals protected by the SIP.
Undertake a full factual investigation and timely response to assigned claims (asserted and potential).
Prepare timely appropriate responses to pre-suit information requests and production.
Track the progress of all assigned cases in pre-suit to ensure appropriate responses, negotiations, and settlement offers (or alternatively, denials and aggressive proactive defense) are accomplished for the timely resolution of claims.
Participate in unsworn statements and other pre-suit discovery.
Travel to meet with and prepare fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial, and attend depositions throughout the United States and occasionally in foreign countries.
Identify risk factors that cause or contribute to claims and suits.
Coordinate and ensure that assigned files are reviewed and analyzed for potential loss prevention activities.
Collaborate directly with the SIP Loss Prevention staff to identify potential risks and opportunities for loss reduction.
Recommend activities to mitigate or remove identified factors and assist in following-up on loss prevention programs.
Provide advice and assistance on an immediate access basis regarding patient care liabilities and protocols related to loss prevention.
Conduct in-service education programs, seminars, and topical presentations for faculty physicians, residents, nurses, or other healthcare providers.
Review and track proposed and existing contracts, affiliation agreements, marketing materials, and other items submitted by insureds for assessing and determining liability exposure.
Provide investigative and administrative management supporting healthcare providers subjected to administrative proceedings related to their medical license, and facilitate procuring legal counsel for these providers.
Prepare witnesses employed or formerly employed by covered entities for unsworn statements in pre-suit discovery.
Represent covered entities at unsworn statements and depositions, in those situations and circumstances where prior approval has been obtained from the Deputy Administrator.
Perform a variety of legal work, including preparing memos of law, legal responses, preparing witnesses before trial, and legal research.