Litigation Adjuster – Construction Specialist - Hybrid work schedule

Litigation Adjuster – Construction Specialist

Buffalo, NY

Merchants Insurance Group, is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast, and is looking for an experienced Litigation Adjuster to join our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York.  Merchants Insurance Group is proud to be named a “Fast Track” company and Top Private Company for the 3^rd year in a row by Buffalo’s Business First, a Super Regional Property/Casualty Insurer by the Insurance Journal and has recently been named as one of Ward's top performing insurance companies in the United States.  Ward's is the provider of benchmarking and best practices for the insurance industry.  They analyze staff levels, compensation, business practices and expenses for all areas of company operations.

The safety of our colleagues, both current and future, is Merchants Insurance Group’s highest priority. At this time, our colleagues are working a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office. This exciting new Hybrid Work benefit will offer colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with your Merchants teams and colleagues.

The Litigation Adjuster-Construction Specialist will become part of a dedicated claims team focusing on New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third-party property damage claims. This position interacts extensively with internal colleagues as well as policyholders, agents, attorneys and a multitude of claim-related service providers.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and a variety of service providers and experts all while working towards achieving the most optimal outcomes for Merchants and our policyholders.
• Providing a high level of customer service while managing a portfolio of complex and high exposure litigated claims involving complex liability and damage issues.
• Evaluating coverage by interpreting/applying policy language to claim facts and preparing appropriate and timely coverage position letters.
• Conducting and directing timely and quality claim investigation, evaluation and equitable settlement of all assigned claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reserves consistent with established reserving philosophy and practices.
• Negotiating fair and equitable settlements directly with claimants.
• Identifying risk transfer opportunities through trade contracts and/or applicable law.

Qualifications & Skills

• Qualified candidates will have a 4 year degree or equivalent work related experience.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience handling New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third-party property damage claims.
• Candidates with a JD and insurance defense experience looking for a new career path are encouraged to apply. 
• Ability to oversee and manage defense counsel, select and retain appropriate experts and develop appropriate resolution strategies.
• Professional designations or working towards industry specific designations are a plus. 
• Exceptional organization, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills are required. 

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Two outstanding company bonus programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE