SMS Assist
Chicago, IL
Mar 09, 2021
Full time
The Claims Manager is tasked with protecting the interests of the company and ensuring that claims are handled properly for our customers, their customers, and our affiliates. Duties include, but are not limited to, managing claims, conducting investigations, coordinating outside litigation counsel, engaging in high-level problem solving and analysis, organizing and managing case files, and carrying out special projects for the legal department.
Responsibilities
Investigate the facts and issues of claims, determine whether coverage exists, evaluate loss under the applicable policies and contracts, assess defenses for the involved parties and/or the company, determine ability to tender claims to subcontractors, determine need to retain outside counsel, make sure a plan is developed and carried out to address the claim, and manage the claim and/or litigation through to final resolution to ensure all parties are handling the claim properly
Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions, to investigate questionable claims and to determine extent of liability
Oversee claims process and ensure all claims data and information is appropriately entered into relevant systems/databases and follow up on all previously tendered claims to determine outcome
Follow statute of limitations for all states and claims and close claims out after buffer periods as statutes expire
Perform a variety of routine and complex administrative and technical work in accepting, coordinating and administering claims
Report all claims to SMS Assist’s insurer in a timely and appropriate manner
Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including those in the Legal, Compliance, and Operations departments, as well as our customers, to ensure that all the relevant information has been collected and to provide feedback to the appropriate parties for operational improvement
Aid in discovery and compile information for court cases as needed
Communicate with vendors, customers, claimants, insurance adjusters, claim adjusters, and attorneys as needed in the course of claim processing and other duties
Respond to various internal and external stakeholder questions, inquiries, requests for clarification, etc. regarding claims, litigation, and other issues in accordance with departmental procedures and protocols
Identify and pursue sources for recovery and manage recovery efforts
Consult with counsel regarding strategy to minimize costs and obtain indemnification from our subcontractors for any liability to plaintiff and attorneys’ fees incurred in defending the case
Tender certain claims to our subcontractor and their insurer according to company guidelines
Analyze and manage settlements and resolutions with insurers / opposing counsel / third parties, as appropriate
Monitor, analyze, and report on claim expenses, outside counsel invoices and other expenses for each claim
Perform claims analysis and other reporting for presentation to and use by various internal and external stakeholders
Create claim policies and procedures with SMS Assist's customers/Risk Management groups and maintain good working relationships with customers
Monitor and perform research on applicable laws, regulations and statutes regarding contracts, claim issues and approaches
Attend or appear as company representative in court proceedings, mediations and settlement conferences, as applicable
Handle additional administrative legal duties, as needed
Foster a positive, collaborative environment
Ensure confidentiality of internal and external data
Perform ad-hoc projects and other duties as assigned
Role Specific Skills
Computer Skills: proficient in: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree preferred
Law Degree from an ABA-accredited law school required
Other Relevant Qualifications
Previous experience in the legal and/or insurance industries (or related legal education)
Previous experience in the facilities industry
Contract management experience