Job Summary
The Severity Claim Unit of CNA's Specialty Healthcare Claim group is currently recruiting for a Director – Healthcare Severity Claim. This position is an individual contributor role. The individual in this position will be responsible for actively managing the most complex and highest exposure claims in our Healthcare Unit. Such claims typically will involve our customers in the following broad categories of providers: Aging Services, Allied Healthcare Facilities, Dentists, Nurses/Allied Healthcare Providers, and Physicians. The individual in this position will either handle directly or strategically oversee claims that generally present over $1 million of exposure and will be responsible for approximately 50-75 files.
While the role does not include any formal people-leading responsibilities, the Director will work closely with claim professionals in the units in which claims originate. The Director will be expected to assist with the teaching, training and development of the claim professionals with whom they work by leveraging their expertise to help guide the investigation, exposure analysis, reserving and resolution of claims while partnering with all stakeholders for the best total claim outcome.
J.D. and a minimum of five years of experience in a law practice, with some focus on Healthcare and knowledge of coverage issues arising out of the types of claims to be overseen, is strongly preferred. Additional experience with a carrier is a plus. Ten years overall experience required. Location is flexible.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Oversees the investigation of the most complex claims, including liability and damages, and participates in determining claim strategy, including if claim should be settled or litigated. Develops and directs the execution of the litigation management strategy.
2. Counsels management on legal risks, claim and litigation strategy and obligations in complex matters.
3. Manages litigation by outside counsel, litigation counsel, or coverage counsel. Attends and provides active feedback on trials, tracks legal and regulatory developments. Advises management and claim professionals regarding relevant issues, approaches and impact of changes.
4. Directs the negotiation of the most complex settlement packages, ensuring adequate reserves and appropriate settlements.
5. Provides research, legal analysis, counsel, guidance, and training on legal and claim handling issues.
6. May participate with senior management in the development and implementation of claim policy and business strategy.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
1. Senior-level knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and procedures of claim and litigation management within an insurance organization.
2. Excellent technical and product specific expertise, claims resolution skill and knowledge of insurance and claims principles, practices and procedures.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Excellent negotiation, consultative and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively interact with all internal and external business partners.
4. Ability to exercise independent judgment, and to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
5. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and senior-level skill in managing ambiguous situations and issues.
6. Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems.
7. Proven ability to take a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives in order to achieve strategic business results.
8. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related applications.
Education & Experience:
1. JD and admission to the bar of at least one state strongly preferred.
2. Minimum of ten years of claims or legal experience with a proven track record of positive results required. Five years of experience in an insurance law practice focused on professional liability highly preferred. Coverage expertise also preferred. Additional experience with a carrier is a plus.