Construction Defect Examiner

SUMMARY

The Senior Construction Defect Claims Examiner is responsible for the independent handling of complex, high-exposure construction defect claims from initial notice through resolution. This role involves in-depth coverage analysis, strategic claim planning, litigation management, and negotiation of settlements involving multiple parties and counsel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handle a caseload of construction defect claims, ensuring thorough investigation, coverage analysis, and liability determination.
• Communicate effectively with claimants, attorneys, and vendors to assess damages and manage claim resolution.
• Develop litigation strategies and collaborate with defense attorneys to drive cost-effective claim outcomes.
• Conduct settlement negotiations, evaluate liens, and identify fraud indicators.
• Ensure compliance with state statutes, client guidelines, and company best practices.
• Attend mediations, trials, and client meetings as necessary.
• Provide mentorship to other adjusters and assist management with projects as needed.
• Maintain accurate reserves and process timely payments in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Prepare detailed reports on serious claims and large loss exposures.
• Maintain appropriate claim documentation and adhere to reporting guidelines.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• 4-year degree from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of experience in claims adjusting, with a focus on construction defect or related specialty claims.
• Prefer designations such as AIC, SCLA, CPCU, etc.
• 5-7 years’ experience with multi-state responsibilities is a plus.
• Experience with Excess and Surplus lines is a plus.
• Resident adjuster’s license in home state (if applicable).
• Non-resident adjuster’s license where required in the state where ACIC does business.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of Commercial General Liability claims; coverage evaluation; claims investigation, loss assessment, evaluation and reserves; financial analyses; insurance regulations; negotiation and settlement of high complexity claims.
• Skills include a focus on customers; decision making; results oriented; spoken communication; and adaptability; an ability to build relationships, listen (i.e., comprehend nuances and acknowledge others' viewpoints), mentoring and training team members, write business correspondence, produce accurate work, manage projects and vendors; and use core applications/spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of and adherence to state laws and regulations governing the handling of casualty and construction defect claims.
• Knowledge of the litigation process and procedures.
• Strong negotiation and litigation management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage a complex caseload.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in claims processing systems and industry software.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in written or diagram form.
• Reasoning; dealing with problems involving a few variables in standard situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Works primarily indoors. Normal office environment
• Non-standard hours based on project and system support needs.