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 primarily handle lawsuits, large exposure claims, and more complex claims involving Auto and General Liability litigation. We'll trust you to provide prompt, fair and effective claims service for insureds and claimants.  You'll have responsibility for all phases of of the claim and inform management of any unfavorable trends.  You'll have a integral role acting as an advisor and coach for other litigation handlers and claims representatives by conducting claim reviews, providing technical direction.

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:

• 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 and 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
• Maintaining appropriate diary schedules of all claims in the care of custody of the Litigation Specialist
• Evaluating damage appraisals and bills for proper documentation and accuracy for establishing claim values
• Reporting forms and litigation management forms according to procedures on a daily basis
• Entry of proper claim reserves and claim payments
• Maintaining appropriate file notes on the system
• Initiating subrogation, contribution and disposal of salvage according to established procedures
• Informing the proper Underwriting Department of risks hazards discovered through the investigation of the claim
• Escalating claims of a severe nature or exceeding settlement authority; keep stakeholders informed on high exposure or unusual claims
• Mediations, settlement conferences, litigation conferences and trials when warranted

What you need to have:

• 5+ years experience adjusting litigated commercial casualty claims
• Experience adjusting claims containing high severity injuries
• Strong aptitude for contract language and managing Coverage issues
• Ability to travel for trials and mediations 
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills 
• Casualty adjusters license in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico

What makes you stand out:

• Bachelors degree
• Customer service mindset  
• Experience writing reservation of rights letters, developing cost share agreements, and working out time on risk indemnity arrangements with other carriers