Claims Litigation Manager

About the Job

Unico American Corporation, through its subsidiaries (Crusader Insurance Company, Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc., American Insurance Brokers, and American Association for Quality Health Care) provides property, casualty, health, and life insurance products, as well as insurance premium financing and membership association services.  Unico American Corporation was founded over 35 years ago, is publicly owned (traded under the symbol “UNAM”) and is located in Calabasas, California.

We are passionate about serving our customers and we take pride in being a values-based organization.   Guided by our beliefs in Excellence, Success, Integrity, People, Diversity and Stability, we are looking for unique individuals who want to contribute and be part of an exceptional,  growing company.     

We currently seek a Claims Litigation Manager to actively manage all claim files that involve litigation or that have a high probability of involving litigation.  The Claims Litigation Manager will work closely with defense counsel and with coverage counsel, and will provide guidance and advice to the claims staff on all technical, legal and procedural strategies, to assure that best practices are followed, promptly and professionally, in accordance with the company’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.

The ideal candidate for this position will have an extensive record of successful claims handling experience, with complex cases, and a proven track record of effectively leading a team.  This is an excellent opportunity with an outstanding compensation package and growth opportunities for the right individual.  This position reports to the Vice President of Claims.

Salary range

• $130k - $160k/year

Essential Functions

• Examines existing and new claim files that involve coverage issues, severe injury or loss, or potential litigation, and creates strategies and plans in collaboration with claims staff and legal counsel.
• Ensures the company’s timely, accurate and thorough documentation in claim files, in compliance with legal and company standards.
• Ensures the company’s timely, accurate and thorough execution of strategies and plans, plus adherence to rules and laws.
• Establishes, assigns and monitors loss and expense reserves to accurately reflect company liabilities.
• Selects and manages the company’s claims counsel, both defense and coverage.
• Successfully and promptly negotiates settlements within the scope of the company’s legal obligations, and works to train staff to do the same.
• Ensures communication and partnership with the company’s Underwriting team regarding noted, developing and emerging risks.
• Conducts mentoring, education and training.
• Assists and facilitates the company’s “Special Loss” meetings.

Other Functions

• All other duties, as assigned.

Competencies

• Business Acumen.
• Decision Making.
• Negotiation.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Leadership.
• Detail oriented.
• Ethical Practice.

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibility

This position has managerial or supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and to hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand; walk; use hands to hold, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  Must be able to lift and carry a weight of up to 30 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Though some flexibility in hours may be allowed, the employee must be available during the company’s regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm and for additional time outside of regular business hours, to support the company’s business needs.

Travel

Occasional travel is expected for this position (e.g., to attend depositions, mediations, arbitration, trials, et cetera).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience handling complex claims.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in handling litigated claim files and participation in depositions, mediations, arbitrations and trials.
• Minimum 10 years of handling insurance claims, both property and casualty.