Litigation Adjuster - Construction Specialist at Merchants Insurance Group

Litigation Adjuster – Construction Specialist

Hybrid Work Schedule

Buffalo, NY

Merchants Insurance Group, is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast, and is looking for a Litigation Adjuster – Construction Specialist to join our growing Claims Legal Team in our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York.  

The Litigation Adjuster – Construction Specialist will become part of a dedicated 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.  

Merchants Insurance Group is proud to be named one of Buffalo Business First’s Best Places to Work in Western New York for a second consecutive year and to be named both a “Fast Track” company and Top Private Company for the 6^th consecutive year by Buffalo’s Business First.    Merchants has also been named as one of Ward's top 50 performing insurance companies in the United States for the 4^th year in a row.  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.

Merchants offers its colleagues 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 at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues.

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 attorneys.
• 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 Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale.  The actual compensation will be determined based upon experience and other factors permitted by law.  The pay range for this position is $68,400 - $100,000.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Colleague Appreciation events.
• 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.
• Company bonus program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE