Litigation Technical Advisory Expert

Position Summary:

The Litigation Technical Advisory Expert assists the Litigation Team with providing Plan of Action recommendations for bringing matters to a favorable dispositive result. Responsibilities include conducting a detailed pre-suit review of the insurance claim to defend against legal dispute allegations to assist the Litigation Representative in outlining discovery (written and deposition) needs, motion practice, strategic track, and favorability of a defense position.  A thorough review and technical advisory analysis include chronological timeline of key dates and facts, coverage (special provisions, endorsements, exclusions), prior claims, statutory requirements, analysis of claim handling (including coverage determination, damage assessment, and evidence analysis), case strengths and weaknesses, and legal strategy.  The Litigation Technical Advisory Expert will apply Statutes and Administrative Code, Rules of Civil Procedure, Building Code, case law, litigation experience, construction knowledge, and certification to establish its recommendations.  

Essential Functions:

• Completes open litigation case file reviews in compliance with established Litigation Best Practices, Claims Handling and Best Practices, and Quality Assurance processes and procedures for Litigation, Field, and Claims Adjusters.
• Participates in root cause analysis (5 why's, Kepner-Trego, Fishbone, etc.)
• Completes technical advisory analysis, strategy track, and defense favorability on open and closed case files during variation stages of litigation and referral requests.
• Participates in process improvement efforts to assist with efficiency, development, and implementation of new litigation/claims processes and procedures to ensure compliance with CQA standards
• Serves as subject matter expert resource for field and desk claims adjusting, claim and litigation investigation, damage valuation, causation, and legal strategy action plans.
• Participates in roundtable weekly discussions as a litigation/claims subject matter expert; identify areas for improvement/training opportunities
• Reviews litigation/claims departmental materials prior to rollout as requested
• Other duties as assigned, with or without accommodation
• Present a professional, transparent, and helpful philosophy
• Assist in other department areas as requested

Required Education and Experience:

• 7+ years of combined field and desk adjusting experience specific to residential property claims within the State of Florida from notice of loss to closure including covered damage analysis and cause of loss determination.
• In addition, 4+ years Florida first-party property litigation working knowledge and handling experience including corporate representative deposition, Mediation, and trial attendance experience; previous Litigation QA experience a plus
• Candidate must have a strong comprehensive subject matter expert knowledge of property claims handling practices, cause of loss investigation analysis, damage assessment, Xactimate estimating software platforms, Florida State Statute and Administrative Code, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, DFS Civil Remedy and Notice of Intent to Litigate, and legal terminology, .
• Florida case law knowledge and strategic planning experience
• Strong analytical and negotiating skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or equivalent insurance background and education
• PC literate with a firm understanding of Microsoft Office Programs

Competencies:

• Integrity and Trust
• Functional/Technical Skills
• Decision Quality
• Approachability
• Informing
• Patience
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Intellectual Powerhouse

Preferred qualifications:

• Quality Assurance Experience – Ability to review the quality of the claims and litigation handling of a file.

Training / Mentorship of Others – Claims investigations for litigation personnel, dispute resolution, fact-based negotiation techniques, evidence necessary in photos and documentation to support coverage determinations, and policy interpretation.