Claims Specialist

At Zurich North America Claims we acknowledge that work life-balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA Claims hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location, while facilitating in-person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in-office attendance should be expected.

Zurich North America is seeking a sharp, solutions-driven Workers Compensation Litigated Claims Specialist II to join our high-performing team. This is an opportunity to make meaningful impact at a company known for innovation and excellence in the insurance industry. We are hiring in two dynamic locations: Schaumburg, IL (hybrid schedule) and Indiana (fully remote).

We are seeking a candidate with proven expertise in managing litigated workers’ compensation claims in the following jurisdictions: Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota, Nebraska and Ohio. This multi-state experience is essential to effectively support our regional claims operations and drive strong outcomes.

In this position you will manage Worker’s Compensation multi-party commercial line claims of moderate to high exposure and complexity within specific authority limits, to ensure that claims are handled in the most efficient, effective way while delivering a customer-centric claims service.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Document claims file by accurately capturing and updating claims data/information in compliance with best practices for worker’s compensation claims of moderate to high exposure and complexity.
• Exercise judgment to determine compensability by gathering and analyzing relevant facts; utilizing applicable law; establishing basic principles of negligence.
• Exercise judgment to determine policy verification and coverage determination by analyzing applicable coverage for claims and determining whether the loss falls within the coverage.
• Work to have a timely resolution to claims by developing case strategy; developing a case evaluation; escalating issues as appropriate.
• Establish timely reserves and perform ongoing review throughout claims cycle within authority limit by estimating and validating value of claims.
• Assess damages by calculating applicable damages or range of damages allowed by law.
• Negotiate settlement of claim by establishing appropriate negotiation strategy and utilizing available tools and resources within authority limits.
• Meet quality standards by following best practices 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an associate degree with 3 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
  OR
• Completion of Zurich Claims Training Program and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
  OR
• High School Diploma Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
  AND
• Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s)
• Microsoft Office experience
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets and products

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 5 plus years of experience handling high-exposure Workers Compensation claims involving complex medical, legal, and indemnity issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage litigated claims, collaborate with defense counsel, and participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Experience handling claim transfers and transitions, with the ability to quickly assess exposure, establish action plans, and drive claims toward resolution.
• Knowledge of Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs) and Wrap-Up programs, including construction-related claim handling and coverage considerations.
• Strong understanding of coverage analysis, compensability determinations, and reserve management**.**
• Experience identifying and pursuing risk transfer opportunities, including contractual liability and third-party recovery potential.
• Professional experience working for an insurance carrier(s)
• Experience handling commercial claims
• Highly preferred Jurisdictions in the following states: IN, MI, SD, NE, OH and IL
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex coverage determinations to clients, customers, and brokers.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and financial acumen; skilled in interpreting insurance policies, evaluating exposure, and identifying actuarial trends.
• Adept at multi-tasking and prioritization in fast-paced environments, with a proactive approach to sharing insights and optimizing outcomes across functions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, build cross-functional relationships, and leverage diverse perspectives to improve claim outcomes.
• Experienced in guiding complex litigated claims, including directing counsel, managing litigation strategy, and following best practices for reserving indemnity, medical, and expense components.

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed Salary range for this position is $59,900.00 - $98,200.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Indiana Virtual Office, AM - Schaumburg
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No 
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-MD1 LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID