Investigator II - Claims

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office (CA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is seeking a Claims Investigator in the Claims Investigations Section. The role focuses on civil claims evaluation, evidence collection, and complex witness interviews.

Onsite work at City Hall East with a strong emphasis on timely reports, recordkeeping, and coordination with attorneys. Responsibilities include asset evaluation, settlement negotiations, and court appearances as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in civil claims investigation and evaluation.
• Experience evaluating bodily injury claims, including reviewing medical records and evaluating damages.
• Knowledge of civil investigation procedures and evidence rules and requirements.
• A valid California Class C driver's license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Self-motivated, quick learner, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work with other agencies.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality is mandatory.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs with or without accommodation.
• Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday; flexibility for weekends/odd hours.

Responsibilities

• Gathering evidence and information for general liability claims and lawsuits.
• Conducting complex interviews of witnesses and claimants and preparing clear statements.
• Communicating with claimants and constituents professionally.
• Obtaining and evaluating court documents, department and police reports, traffic accident reports, and photos.
• Writing detailed investigation reports and findings.
• Evaluating the validity of claims to determine liability and negotiating settlements.
• Evaluating bodily injury and medical records to quantify damages.
• Evaluating damage to real and personal property to quantify damages.
• Making small claims court appearances.
• Filing and maintaining claim files and updating the claims database in CityLaw.
• Handling a high volume of assignments from the Chief Investigator, attorneys and risk management staff.
• Conducting surveillance using video equipment and taking photographs and scale drawings.
• Adjusting auto liability damage and bodily injury claims.
• Conducting follow-up investigations for attorneys involved in litigated matters.
• Obtaining public records, medical records or evidence for attorneys.

Skills

Civil claims investigation

Bodily injury evaluation

Evidence rules knowledge

Court/testimony preparation

Microsoft Word proficiency

Independent judgment

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Claims Investigations Section investigates and processes all personal injury and property damage claims filed against the City of Los Angeles. In addition, the Section is responsible for investigation and support of matters that are assigned to attorneys involved in litigation.

The responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Gathering evidence and information forgeneral liabilityclaims and lawsuits filed against the City of Los Angeles;
• Conducting complexinterviews of witnesses and claimants, and preparing clear witness statements;
• Communicating with claimants and constituents in an effective and professional manner;
• Obtaining and evaluatingcourt documents,department and police reports,trafficaccident reports,andphotos;
• Writing detailed investigation reports and findings;
• Evaluating the validity of claims to determine liability, and negotiating settlements;
• Evaluating bodily injury and medical records to quantify monetary damages;
• Evaluating damage to real and personal property to quantify monetary damages;
• Making small claims court appearances;
• Filing and maintaining orderly claim files, and updatingthe claims database in CityLaw;
• Handling a high volume of assignments from the Chief Investigator, attorneys and risk management staff;
• Conducting both moving and stationary surveillance using video equipment, taking photographs, measurements and drawing scale diagrams;
• Adjusting auto liability damage and bodily injury claims;
• Conducting follow-up investigations for attorneys involved in litigated matters;
• Obtaining public records, medical records or evidence for use by Liability Section attorneys;
• Testifying in depositions;
• Following Department Operating Procedures and meeting strict deadlines; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Applicants must have:

• Experience in civil claims investigation and evaluation;
• Experience investigating and evaluating bodily injury claims, including reviewing medical records and evaluating damages;
• Knowledge of civil investigation procedures and evidence rules and requirements is also required.
• A valid Class “C” California Driver’s License;
• Must be proficient in the operation of a personal computer, including proficiency in Microsoft Word;
• The selected applicant should be self-motivated, a quick learner, exercise independent judgment, and work with minimum supervision;
• Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work well with other employees of this office and personnel from other agencies;
• Reliable attendance and punctuality is mandatory;
• Applicants must be able to lift boxes (up to 25 lbs) with or without reasonable accommodation;
• The hours for this position are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, however, flexibility is required as surveillance and subrosa may include weekends and odd hours.

Desired Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of experience in civil claims investigation and evaluation is preferred;
• Experience evaluating personal injury and property damage matters;
• Experience testifying in court.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Retirement Benefits:

Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction. The City also contributes toward the employee’s retirement benefit. Contribution rates are established by the applicable retirement system an may vary based based on employee classification, membership status, and other factors. For more information, please visit: https://www.lacers.org/

Current Location

City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location of the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.

This position requires regular onsite work. Employer-provided parking is limited and may not be available for this classification. Employees may be responsible for securing and paying for parking at nearby facilities. Applicants are encouraged to review available commute and transportation resources through the City’s COMMUTEwell program. For more information, please visit: https://lacommutewell.com/

Probation

For external applicants – Appointment to this exempt position (non-Civil Service) will be subject to a one-year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the one-year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Conflict-of-Interest

This position is designated as Category 10 on Conflict-of-Interest Code.