Certified Hearing Representative

About the position

The purpose of this job is to serve as a litigation representative to attend hearings, argue cases, take depositions as well as resolve disputes as it applies to litigated workers' compensation claims. This position exists to reduce allocated loss adjustment expenses and improve results by proactively analyzing and resolving litigated workers' compensation claims. The Certified Hearing Representative works under the direction of a Supervising Attorney and the position requires independent decision making and judgement.

Responsibilities

• Manages litigation and claim disputes as they apply to workers' compensation claims.
• Prepare for trials, depositions, lien negotiations, and provides legal work deliverables under the direction of a supervising attorney.
• Reviews workers compensation board records, claim system records and legal files to prepare for hearings.
• Contacts witnesses to obtain evidence for hearings.
• Attends claim hearings representing ICW Group.
• Appears at WCAB lien conferences and trials; Appears at status, priority, and mandatory settlement conferences.
• Schedules and attends settlement walk-through hearings with claimants and/or counsel.
• Reduces loss adjustment expenses by quickly and effectively resolving disputed claims and litigation, including liens.
• Resolves claims fairly and equitably, acting in the best interest of the insured.
• Prepares workers compensation submissions including stipulations and settlement agreements.
• Fully handles pre and post hearing responsibilities.
• Tracks time devoted to each case.
• Handles lien files from start to finish; provides representation for ICW Group's insureds in court appearances.
• Prepares court pleadings, reports, and settlement documents in accordance with statutory and case law as well as related regulations.
• Prepares for and attends depositions; maintains notes and correspondence.
• Prepares and submits timely Hearing Reports to claims personnel and claims management.
• Updates/posts in claims systems and/or legal systems regarding work completed on a file.
• Reviews and analyzes billed invoices and liens to compare them with professional bill review analysis as needed.
• Prepares litigation analysis reports at various stages of the litigation phase with recommendations to the Claims Examiner (Adjustor) as well as provide a strategic plan of action.
• Applies appropriate legal defenses and negotiates resolution or set for trial.
• Provides guidance and expertise to other department's operations, including Underwriting and Risk Management Services.
• Partners with Claims Examiner to determine solutions.
• Researches legal issues and case law.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required.
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in workers compensation litigation (or equivalent combination of education and experience such as a Juris Doctor).
• Claims Examiner experience preferred.
• Certified Hearing and Lien Representative (or equivalent) required.
• Working knowledge of claims and insurance industry preferred.
• Familiarity with and ability to effectively utilize the CA Labor Code, CA Code of Regulations, and CA Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities to rate disability impairment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and/or legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from counsel, claimants, customers, regulatory agencies, and/or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Strong ability to negotiate to resolution various legal issues before the WCAB with opposing counsel, proper claimants, and co-defendants.
• Strong oral skills to articulate company's position in contested legal matters to opposing side, Information Officers, and WCAB judges.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package, with generous medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401K retirement plans and company match.
• Bonus potential for all positions.
• Paid Time Off with an accrual rate of 5.23 hours per pay period (equal to 17 days per year).
• 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Support for continued learning.