Construction Defect Adjuster

Construction Defect Adjuster The Commercial General Liability (CGL) Claims Adjuster is responsible for the end‑to‑end handling of complex third‑party bodily injury and property damage claims arising under commercial general liability policies. This role requires advanced expertise in coverage analysis, liability determination, litigation management, and risk transfer, particularly across multi‑jurisdictional and construction‑related exposures. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Claim Investigation & File Ownership Independently investigate and manage a full caseload of CGL claims, including premises liability, slip and fall, product liability, construction defect and construction‑related losses, and contractual liability exposures. Drive timely claim resolution through proactive file management, strategic planning, and adherence to best practices in diary management and documentation. Coverage Analysis & Policy Interpretation Analyze complex policy language, endorsements, exclusions, and limits to determine coverage applicability. Draft clear, defensible coverage position letters, including reservation of rights and denial letters, consistent with jurisdictional requirements and client expectations. Liability & Damages Evaluation Conduct comprehensive liability investigations, including review of incident reports, contracts, lease agreements, indemnification provisions, and contractual risk transfer provisions. Obtain and evaluate recorded statements, expert opinions, photographs, and surveillance. Evaluate injury severity, medical treatment, and long‑term exposure, including review of medical records, bills, and independent medical evaluations. Establish, maintain, and adjust reserves in accordance with claim developments and exposure severity. Litigation Management Manage litigated files, including retention and direction of defense counsel. Provide strategic oversight on litigation plans, budgets, pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions. Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and trial preparation. Settlement & Negotiation Negotiate settlements within delegated authority while balancing cost containment and risk exposure. Evaluate settlement value based on liability, damages, venue, and litigation risks, and elevate when exceeding authority. Risk Transfer & Subrogation Identify, evaluate, and pursue risk transfer opportunities, including additional insured tenders, contractual indemnity provisions, and subrogation potential. Coordinate with coverage counsel, carriers, and third parties to maximize recovery and proper allocation of liability. Client & Stakeholder Communication Maintain proactive, professional communication with insureds, claimants, brokers, and clients. Provide detailed status updates, large‑loss reports, and claim summaries tailored to client reporting requirements. Documentation, Compliance & Quality Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely file documentation to support claim decisions and audit readiness. Ensure compliance with state regulations, client service instructions, and internal audit and quality standards. Participate in internal and external audits, file reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. Additional Functions and Responsibilities Support organizational quality initiatives, audit programs, and operational excellence efforts. Contribute to process improvement, knowledge sharing, and team development activities. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education & Licensing Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Adjuster licensing as required by jurisdiction(s) handled. Experience Minimum of 5+ years of commercial general liability claims handling; experience with litigated and construction‑related claims strongly preferred. Skills & Knowledge Strong understanding of CGL coverage, policy interpretation, and jurisdictional differences. Experience managing litigated claims and working with defense counsel. Knowledge of construction defect, additional insured coverage, and risk transfer strategies. Ability to assess liability, damages, and exposure in complex loss scenarios. Strong negotiation and settlement skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting coverage correspondence and client reports. Proficiency in claims systems and Microsoft Office applications. Demonstrated organization, attention to detail, and time management. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑driven environment. Proven ability to meet or exceed performance, quality, and compliance metrics. Work Environment When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work‑related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines. Computer keyboarding, travel as required. Hearing, vision and talking required. Compensation and Benefits For the jurisdiction noted in this posting, the starting pay range is $88,000 – $120,000 USD annually. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and matching, PTO, disability and life insurance, employee assistance, flexible spending or health savings account, and other voluntary benefits. Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr