Litigation Claim Adjuster

Merchants; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

401(k) with 100% match up to 6%

Job summary

Merchants Insurance Group, based in Buffalo, New York, seeks a Litigation Adjuster to join their Claims Legal Team. This role involves managing auto and premises liability claims while collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a 4-year degree and at least 3 years of experience handling commercial claims, especially in New York Labor Law and property damage. Merchants offers a competitive salary of $85,000–$95,000, equity components, and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience handling commercial lines claims.
• Experience with New York Labor Law, construction defect, and/or third-party property damage claims is a plus.
• JD and insurance defense experience is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with claims staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents, and service providers.
• Provide customer service while managing a portfolio of complex litigated claims.
• Evaluate coverage by interpreting policy language.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Exceptional organization

Education

4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience

Job description

Overview

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for a Litigation Adjuster to join our growing Claims Legal Team at our Corporate Headquarters in Buffalo, New York. The Litigation Adjuster will focus on auto and premises liability claims, including New York Labor Law, construction defect, and third‑party property damage claims, and will interact extensively with internal colleagues, policyholders, agents, attorneys, and various claim‑related service providers.

Merchants Insurance Group, rated A‑ (Excellent) by A.M. Best, is proud to be one of Buffalo Business First’s Best Places to Work in Western New York (2023‑2026) and has received multiple industry awards.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with claims staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents, and service providers to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provide high‑level customer service while managing a portfolio of complex and high‑exposure litigated claims.
• Evaluate coverage by interpreting and applying policy language, preparing coverage position letters.
• Conduct and direct timely, quality claim investigation, evaluation, and equitable settlement of all assigned claims.
• Ensure timely and accurate reserves consistent with established reserving philosophy and practices.
• Negotiate fair and equitable settlements directly with attorneys.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities through trade contracts and/or applicable law.

Qualifications

• 4‑year degree or equivalent work‑related experience.
• Minimum of 3 years experience handling commercial lines claims; experience with New York Labor Law, construction defect, and/or third‑party property damage claims is a plus.
• JD and insurance defense experience is encouraged.
• Ability to oversee defense counsel, select and retain experts, and develop resolution strategies.
• Professional designations or working toward industry‑specific designations are a plus.
• Exceptional organization, negotiation, verbal, and written communication skills.

Pay & Benefits

Competitive pay range: $85,000‑$95,000 plus equity component and comprehensive benefits. Benefits include:

• Positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid schedule (2 full days per week in office).
• Competitive pay scale.
• Company bonus program.
• Generous paid time off.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Merchants Insurance Group is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Merchants Insurance Group supports a safe workplace through pre‑employment background screenings.