Litigation Specialist

UFG is currently looking for a Litigation Specialist to join our team who will be responsible for claim decisions and actions that promote high quality, efficient, and cost-effective representation of our insureds, additional insureds and UFG in litigated matters.

Responsibilities:

* Complete the initial case review, review of the pleadings, and coverage in order to determine if there is a duty to defend. Keep apprised of changes in legal climate, case law and court procedures in the subject jurisdictions.
* Identify and eliminate coverage issues, and send corresponding appropriate excess exposure, ROR, declination or other coverage-related written communications to the insured(s) and agency.
* Consider, identify and discuss risk transfer opportunities and exposures as appropriate, i.e. contract defense/indemnity and additional insured defense/indemnity, primary vs. excess vs. concurrent coverage.
* Evaluate and complete liability investigation by considering, identifying and applying available defenses, i.e. comparative negligence, comparative/pure comparative fault laws, contribution, immunity laws, collateral source laws, and other legal doctrines, etc., as appropriate.
* Complete evaluation for injury, damage, and/or other case exposure, including consideration of mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
* Complete timely reserve evaluation in accordance with UFG's Gold Standard.
* Complete settlement/negotiation plan, giving objective and well-considered weight to the strengths or weaknesses of case, anticipated rebuttal and counter-arguments, venue climate, verdict potential, and/or projected future costs.
* Notify insured of key developments and demands throughout the case, and communicate with agency and UW departments regarding substantial high-dollar shift in financial exposure.
* Collaborate with defense counsel on a fluid and dynamic basis to explore and identify efficient, cost-effective resolution alternative and strategies. Actively control case resolution momentum and progression, and provide a "road map" and explanation for case decisions. Ensure that outcome-based plan and strategy are included in file handling as a result of an early decision to settle or try.
* Lead direct negotiation, settlement conference, and/or mediation efforts. Assertively create and pursue early settlement opportunities.
* Observe retention of experts and other high-dollar vendors to be deliberate and consistent with documented strategy/objectives.
* Pursue deductible recovery and subrogation as appropriate.
* Ensure that forms are filed as needed (e.g. Index, PILR, Reinsure, Reserve Notification and Risk Evaluation).
* Review fee statements and negotiate adjustment of charges in accordance with UFG billing guidelines.

Qualifications:

Education:

* High school diploma required
* 4 year college degree preferred

Designations/Certifications/Licenses:

* SCLA and/or CPCU preferred
* Meet the appropriate state licensing laws required to handle "multi-line" claims

Experience:

* 5+ years of experience handling to include litigation management

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

Knowledge Of:

* UFG Billing Guidelines
* Policy coverages
* Civil procedure
* Applicable statutes and case law
* Negligence law
* Unfair claims practices/bad faith
* Fraud indicators
* Understanding of the venue
* Medical terminology
* Contractual issues

Working Conditions:

* General office environment
* Frequently the job requires working irregular hours.
* Occasional overnight travel and weekend hours may be required.