Job title: Complex Claims Specialist - General Liability (Construction Defect)
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Insurance
Functional Expertise: Claims Adjuster
Location: Chicago, IL
Job published: 05/07/2025
Job ID: 135421

Job Description

Job Title: Complex Claims Specialist – General Liability (Construction Defect)

 

Job Summary

This senior-level position is responsible for the management and resolution of high-exposure General Liability claims, with a focus on construction defect and third-party bodily injury/property damage cases. The role requires a high level of technical expertise in litigation, injury evaluation, negotiation strategy, and coverage analysis. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of complex commercial losses and be able to manage a national caseload involving high-severity claims, often with litigation involved.

 

Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of 80–100 high-severity General Liability claims nationwide, primarily involving bodily injury and construction defect.
  • Evaluate, negotiate, and resolve claims with exposures often exceeding $250K, up to policy limits.
  • Oversee and collaborate with outside defense counsel; drive litigation strategies and ensure best practices are followed.
  • Attend mediations and settlement conferences, and identify opportunities for early resolution.
  • Draft and review detailed coverage analyses with attention to triggers and time-on-risk allocation.
  • Accurately assess liability and damages using in-depth knowledge of tort law and state-specific negligence standards.
  • Maintain timely and detailed documentation of claim activity, status updates, and file notes.
  • Monitor and assess claim reserves and provide updates based on case developments.
  • Identify and escalate suspected fraud in collaboration with the Special Investigations Unit.
  • Serve as a technical expert and mentor within the claims department; participate in cross-functional feedback with underwriting and actuarial teams.
  • Maintain regular communication with insureds and brokers throughout the life of each claim.

 

Qualifications/Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience handling complex claims, including General Liability and Bodily Injury.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing litigated claims; active litigation involvement required (not limited to referral).
  • 5+ years of experience specifically in Commercial General Liability claims, including construction defect.
  • Advanced knowledge of coverage, claims practices, legal concepts, and injury evaluation techniques.
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing claims up to policy limits; experience with wrongful death not required.
  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school may be considered as a supplement to claims experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to mentor others and lead by example in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment.

 

Disclaimer: Please note that this job description may not cover all duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the role, and it is subject to modification at the employer's discretion.

 

#LI-BC1