Claims Consultant - Specialty Claims (Silica/Toxic Tort)

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

Nationwide's Property and Casualty team is seeking a passionate Claims Consultant to join their specialty claims unit. This role focuses on investigating and managing complex claims, primarily related to silica, and potentially asbestos and other toxic torts. The ideal candidate will be driven by a desire to innovate, simplify processes, and provide exceptional customer value and care.

Work Environment

This opportunity offers flexibility and can be staffed in any of Nationwide's office locations or be fully remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Claim Investigation and Management:
  • Investigate and maintain specialty claims, with a primary focus on silica claims, and potentially asbestos and other toxic torts.
  • Conduct detailed review and analysis of claims, investigating liability and damages.
  • Manage litigation when appropriate.
• Case Strategy and Resolution:
  • Participate in claim reviews, roundtables, and other meetings with claims representatives and management to discuss issues and emerging trends in toxic tort litigation.
  • Review and provide input on case strategy at all levels.
  • Ensure defense counsel complies with Nationwide guidelines and expectations.
  • Adopt and implement strategic litigation initiatives (e.g., tolling agreements, resolution of lung cancer cases, motion practice, group settlements).
  • Bring files to closure through voluntary dismissals or negotiation of settlements.
  • Resolve the amount of appropriate settlements or grounds for denial.
  • Assist in drafting settlement documents.
  • Attend mediation sessions to attempt to resolve claims.
• Financial Management:
  • Provide reserve analysis to ensure timely and accurate case reserves according to optimal claims practices.
  • Negotiate cost-sharing agreements between other insurance carriers and policyholders.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
  • Determine duty to defend and select defense counsel as appropriate.
  • Closely monitor outside counsel's work product.
  • Review and provide input on interrogatories and other legal documents in each case.
  • Prepare legal audits at various law firms.
• Knowledge and Training:
  • Maintain current knowledge of assigned insurance lines, court decisions impacting claims, current guidelines, and policy changes.
  • Provide advice, counsel, and training to Claims Representatives of all levels.
  • Provide specialized training and consultation to non-claims areas as requested.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Create and analyze severe incident reports, reinsurance reports, and other information for corporate office, Claims Management, and Underwriting.
  • Perform continuous review of claims inventory.
  • Prepare appropriate internal reports, memos, and analysis regularly.
• Customer Service:
  • Deliver a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current, and prospective Nationwide customers.
• Leadership:
  • Serve as lead Claims representative in the area of specialty.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Deep insurance industry knowledge.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Understanding of litigation.
• Desire to collaborate and bring fair resolution to sophisticated specialty claims.
• Highly Preferred: Environmental claims experience.
• Preferred: Technical knowledge in environmental dangers or environmental legal cases.
• A Plus: Additional experience in silica or asbestos claims.

Company Information

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. Our team handles some of the most unique and interesting insurance claims at Nationwide.

(Internal Use Only) Compensation Grade: G3 #LI-BC1