Claims Specialist III, Commercial Casualty (CL/ESS General Liability Construction)

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Territory: The location of this position is flexible and open to virtual and/or remote based applicants. 

What to expect: This position is responsible for managing both ESS and Standard Commercial claims within the General Construction segment. The role encompasses handling complex claims involving both Bodily Injury (BI) and Property components. A majority of these claims are litigated and may carry exposures of up to $1 million.

The ideal candidate will have:  

• Strong Commercial General Liability claims experience, specifically litigated
• Both bodily injury and property claims handling experience
• ​Litigation experience is preferred
• Construction experience is a plus

Job Description Summary

Do you have a strong desire to resolve insurance claims by providing prompt, courteous and fair service to customers? Are you a skilled investigator, negotiator and communicator? If you thrive in an environment where you can problem-solve claims resolution, while following processes that provide fair resolution, customer satisfaction and cost management, then we want to hear from you!

As a Claims Specialist, you’ll work to resolve commercial bodily injury and/or property damage claims of a serious and sometimes complex nature. We’ll count on you to promote and provide exemplary customer service. You’ll work to adjust serious exposure commercial casualty claims requiring investigation, property damage evaluation and negotiation. You’ll handle lawsuit files to conclusion and oversee the activities of defense counsel. You’ll also be responsible for handling claims according to prescribed authorization.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assigned claims, which may include complex and catastrophic casualty losses, with little to no direction and oversight. Makes decisions within delegated authority, recommends settlement values in the disposition of claims as outlined in company policies and procedures. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct consistent with the delivery of superior service.  

• Utilizes various methods of settlement in those cases where warranted; assigns cases to outside vendors as warranted.

• Opens, closes and adjusts reserves in alignment with company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy. Recommends special reserves where necessary, per company guidelines. Adheres to file conferencing notification and authority procedures.

• Maintains current knowledge of: assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training session 

• Mentors less experienced claims associates and assists with training/presentations as assigned by claims management.

• Partners with Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities. Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation. (property/MD/casualty).

• Oversees defense counsel in all lawsuit activities throughout the life of the claim.   

• Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Claims Manager. Direct and indirect reports not typically assigned.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate studies in business administration or related field preferred or relevant experience. 

License/Certification/Designation: Successful completion of required claims certification schools/courses. Professional development such as IIA or CPCU preferred. State licensing where required.

Experience: Five years commercial casualty claims handling experience preferred.  

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: