Claims Specialist

Rated Best Places to Work 2020, 2022 and 2024 by Business Insurance, by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions.  W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong). 

This role would ideally be based in one of our two offices where we offer a hybrid work schedule with four days in the office; and one day remote where it makes sense to do so.  

• Urbandale, IA
• Lincoln, NE

Alternatively, this position can be fully remote, but only for a colleague outside of a commutable distance to the office.  However, they must reside within the CWG regional territory in the Midwest. 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.   

As a Casualty Claims Litigation Specialist, you will investigate and handle high severity and/or complex commercial casualty claims in a prompt, equitable manner by analyzing coverage, liability and damages, evaluating reserves, negotiating settlement or conclusion of claims.  This will include handling litigated cases across a variety of claims from general Commercial Bodily Injury and Property Damage, Construction Defect, Toxic Tort to Professional Liability.  You may also travel within Continental Western Groups' (CWG) territory footprint to attend mediations and/or trials when necessary.  

You can look forward to a highly collaborative environment where a learning mindset and knowledge-sharing is highly valued. We encourage diversity of thought to "think outside of the box" and share your expertise, which can expand beyond your immediate team to impact the overall CWG Claims function. The leadership team prides themselves on being accessible, enabling you to be especially nimble when navigating a claim to a resolution on behalf of insureds.

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent.
• Internal mobility opportunities. 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams.
• Opportunity to impact change.
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education.

We'll count on you to:

• Investigate loss, evaluate exposures, establish accurate reserves and manages defense and settlement or conclusion of high severity and/or complex claims. 
• Re-evaluate exposures and reserves during the life of the claim. 
• Correctly enters claim data into claim and related systems for reporting purposes. 
• Confers with Claims Supervisors, Claims Manager and Home Office Claims staff to inform, solicit input and strategize. 
• Utilizes Claims staff to assist with investigation. Coordinate investigation with Subrogation and Arbitration Units.
• Selects appropriate outside legal counsel to coordinate the defense of each suit. 
• Strategize and evaluates, with assistance of outside defense counsel, to determine direction of defense, e.g., defend to conclusion; compromise, or negotiate a fair and equitable settlement. 
• Assign tasks, sets completion dates and establishes costs. 
• Provide technical advice, direction and mentoring to the Claims Department staff on high severity and/or complex commercial casualty claims. 
• Attend settlement conferences, depositions, preliminary hearings and trials when advisable.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

What you need to have:

• 5+ years of Commercial Casualty Claims experience. 
• In-depth knowledge of complex insurance coverages, laws and regulations.
• Possess strong customer orientation, problem analysis and problem resolution skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to partner with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Operate with urgency and professionalism to respond to inquiries from customers.
• Track record of being able to effectively manage a project and/or lead a team. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel up to approximately two days per month; and a valid driver’s license.

What makes you stand out:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Construction Defect claims experience.
• Litigation experience. 
• Completion of or working toward AIC, CPCU SCLA or similar designation.