Liability Claims Specialist

Title: Liability Claims Specialist

You'll Report To: Senior Vice President of Litigation

The Liability Claims Specialist is responsible for the investigation, evaluation, disposition and settlement of first and third party liability claims.  Claim complexity will range from minor with low exposure to complex with high exposures including litigation.  This includes the investigation, determination and evaluation of coverage, liability and damages in an attempt to reach an appropriate settlement in accordance with statutory requirements and policy provisions.

• Investigate, identify, and resolve liability issues. Contacts insured same day as claim is assigned.
• Interact extensively with various parties involved in the liability claims process.
• Understand bad faith concerns associated with liability insurance defense matters, and works to mitigate bad faith exposure.
• Conduct proper investigations on liability and damages, and procure proper documentation and supporting reports utilizing vendors appropriately.
• Continually evaluate liability and damages as new information is received.
• Review and process correspondence and take appropriate action as required. Maintain up-to-date claim file diary.
• Exercise proper judgment and decision making to analyze the liability exposure and to determine the proper course of action to appropriately settle the claim in good faith.
• Retain and work with liability defense attorney, overseeing and ensuring appropriate representation of policyholder.
• Assess exposure and sets proper reserves. Notify management of large losses promptly.
• Communicate appropriately with policyholder. Alert policyholder to any exposure beyond insurance policy.
• Utilize critical thinking and solid judgment to solve problems, make decisions and resolve complex issues inherent in handling liability and litigation losses.
• Document and communicate all claim activities timely and effectively and in a manner which supports the outcome of the claim file.
• Successfully negotiate the settlement and disposition of claims, showing utmost good faith toward policyholder.
• May support special projects, as assigned, within the established time and quality guidelines.
• Handle claims consistent with established corporate policies, procedures and “Best Practices” and also in accordance with any statutory, regulatory and ethics requirement.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years prior experience as a liability adjuster.

Licensure: State of Florida 520 or 620 License desired. Completion of insurance courses such as IIA, AEI, or CPCU preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Ability to analyze facts and coverages in order to evaluate damages.
• Proven ability in negotiation and investigation required.
• Ability to communicate interpersonally with individuals and groups via telephone and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of technical / professional / consumer clients.
• Microsoft Windows and Office Suite experience.
• Familiarity with industry claims systems and property estimating systems such as Xactimate.