[Hiring] Claim Litigation Specialist @Hastings Insurance Company

Role Description

Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced Claim Litigation Specialist to join our Legal team. In this specialized role, you'll investigate, evaluate, and resolve complex coverage and high-exposure claims, including litigated and non-litigated matters across multiple jurisdictions.

You'll manage an assigned caseload, working closely with attorneys, insureds, claimants, and other stakeholders to develop effective claim and litigation strategies. From evaluating coverage and establishing reserves to negotiating settlements and participating in legal proceedings, you'll play an important role in achieving fair, timely, and cost-effective claim resolutions.

As a technical resource to fellow claims professionals, you'll also share your expertise in coverage interpretation, litigation management, and settlement strategies, helping strengthen our overall claim handling capabilities.

• Manage a caseload of complex coverage and high-exposure claims, including litigated and non-litigated matters, from investigation through resolution.
• Investigate and evaluate claim exposures, analyze applicable policy coverage, and develop appropriate claim handling and settlement strategies.
• Collaborate with defense counsel, insureds, claimants, attorneys, and other involved parties to support effective litigation management and claim resolution.
• Evaluate and negotiate settlements, exercising sound judgment and decision-making within established authority levels.
• Establish, evaluate, and maintain appropriate claim reserves based on exposure, anticipated costs, and potential settlement or litigation outcomes.
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings as necessary.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for subrogation, salvage, and loss mitigation while ensuring cost-effective use of outside vendors and professional services.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely claim documentation in accordance with company procedures, established guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential indicators of fraud and coordinate appropriate referrals to the Special Investigations Unit.
• Serve as a technical resource to other claims professionals on complex coverage matters, reserving, litigation strategies, and settlement evaluations, providing guidance and mentorship as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal departments to communicate relevant claim developments, emerging trends, and potential areas of exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of insurance education and professional experience required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible property and casualty insurance claims experience required.
• Ten or more years of claims experience, including commercial claims and litigation handling, preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of complex coverage issues, high-exposure claims, litigation processes, and settlement negotiations.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information and develop effective claim resolution strategies.
• Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to navigate challenging situations while maintaining productive professional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with attorneys, policyholders, claimants, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently manage competing priorities and a complex caseload.
• Proficiency with claims management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Professional insurance designation, or active pursuit of a designation, preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain applicable state adjuster licenses and continuing education requirements, as necessary.

Location & Schedule

• This is a full-time, salaried position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• This position offers a remote work arrangement for candidates residing in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin.
• Preference will be given to candidates residing in the greater Detroit, Michigan, or Toledo, Ohio, areas due to the frequency of in-person mediations and other litigation-related proceedings throughout the region.
• Occasional travel is required, with overnight travel dependent upon the employee's location and business needs.
• Candidates residing outside the preferred geographic area should anticipate approximately 10% overnight travel.