Claims Litigation Specialist

Berkley Southwest offers commercial property and casualty products and services through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. We maintain a strong local presence in each of our markets, keeping underwriting and support close to the customer.

Now more than ever, financial strength is critical to a successful, long term insurance relationship. Berkley Southwest is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.

This role will be based in our Irving, TX office.  We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.  

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.   #LI-AV1 #LI-HYBRID 

As a Claims Litigation Specialist, you'll have both the autonomy and support to primarily handle lawsuits, large exposure claims, and more complicated claims involving Construction Defect Litigation.  You will provide prompt, fair and effective claims service for insureds and claimants.

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 for the:

• Investigation of lawsuits and other larger exposure claims made by insureds and claimants including but not limited to:

  • proper coverage determination,

  • direction of defense attorneys,

  • litigation management,

  • taking of recorded statements,

  • arranging for outside appraisal of damage if warranted,

  • evaluate and negotiate settlements,

  • deny claims and lawsuits not covered,

  • where no liability exists, deny liability,

  • defend and/or negotiate costs of defense settlements,

  • Obtain proper discovery, forms and documents.

• Establishing and maintaining proper reserving throughout the life of the claim file. Maintain appropriate diary schedules of all claims in the care of custody of the Litigation Specialist.

• Evaluation of damage appraisals and bills for proper documentation and accuracy for establishing claim values.

• Completing all necessary reporting forms and litigation management forms according to procedures on a daily basis.

• Entry of proper claim reserves and claim payments and maintaining in appropriate file notes on the system.

• Initiating subrogation and contribution and dispose of salvage according to established procedures.

• Informing the proper Underwriting Department of risks hazards discovered through the investigation of the claim, Advise supervisor immediately of all claims of a severe nature or exceeding settlement authority.

• Attending mediations, settlement conferences, litigation conferences and trials when warranted.

• Assuming full responsibility for all phases of account management for accounts as assigned and inform management of any unfavorable trends.

• Acting as an Advisor and coach for other litigation handlers and claims representatives within designated claims area or claim region by conducting claim reviews.

• Assisting Claims Manager/Claims Supervisor as directed in supervisory functions (technical direction) and maintain and implement litigation logs and records and other claims related logs and records.

• Keeping Claims Manager/Claims Supervisor informed on all high exposure and complex or unusual claims.

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in business insurance or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years adjusting experience including:
  • Basic understanding in construction and the duties of various trade groups within the construction industry  
  • Understanding contracts
  • Writing reservation of rights letters
  • Developing cost share agreements, and work out time on risk indemnity arrangements with other carriers
• Casualty adjusters license in Texas and New Mexico.  

What makes you stand out:

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to project a warm and friendly manner in all business contacts and maintain a professional relationship with fellow workers, insureds, and the general public.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate the WRBC Core Competencies and Innovation Behaviors.