Litigation Claims Adjuster

Merchants Mutual Insurance; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive pay scale

Company bonus program

Generous paid time off

Full Benefits

Job summary

Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Litigation Adjuster to join our Claims Legal Team at the corporate headquarters. This role focuses on auto and premises liability claims, including New York Labor Law and construction defect matters, interfacing with policyholders, attorneys, and service providers.

The position requires a 4-year degree or equivalent, with 5+ years of commercial claims experience.

Qualifications

• Requires a 4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience handling commercial lines claims; NY Labor Law/ construction defect knowledge a plus.
• JD with insurance defense experience encouraged to apply.
• Ability to oversee and manage defense counsel and experts; develop resolution strategies.
• Professional designations or working towards designations are a plus.
• Exceptional organization, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with claims staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents, and service providers to optimize outcomes.
• Manage a portfolio of complex litigated claims with exposure and liability considerations.
• Evaluate coverage by interpreting policy language and draft timely coverage position letters.
• Conduct timely and quality claim investigations, evaluations, and settlements.
• Maintain reserves consistent with reserving philosophy and practices.
• Negotiate fair settlements directly with attorneys.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities through contracts and applicable law.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship management

Organization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

JD preferred

Tools

Litigation management software

Case management systems

Job description

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for a Litigation Adjuster join our growing Claims Legal Team in our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York.

The Litigation Adjuster will become part of a dedicated team focusing on auto and premises liability claims, which includes New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third-party property damage claims. This position interacts extensively with internal colleagues as well as policyholders, agents, attorneys and a multitude of claim-related service providers.

Merchants Insurance Group is rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and is consistently recognized as a top employer and high-performing organization. Recent honors include:

• Best Places to Work in Western New York (Buffalo Business First, 2023–2026)
• Fast Track Company (2019–2025) and Top Private Company (2019–2025)
• Ward’s 50® top-performing property-casualty insurer (2021–2024)
• Ivans Spark Award for Innovation (2024–2025)
• Named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies list (2025), ranked among the top 300 of 1,500 B2B organizations evaluated

We offer a hybrid work schedule, requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely or in office the remaining days. This model supports collaboration while providing flexibility and work-life balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and a variety of service providers and experts all while working towards achieving the most optimal outcomes for Merchants and our policyholders.
• Providing a high level of customer service while managing a portfolio of complex and high exposure litigated claims involving complex liability and damage issues.
• Evaluating coverage by interpreting/applying policy language to claim facts and preparing appropriate and timely coverage position letters.
• Conducting and directing timely and quality claim investigation, evaluation and equitable settlement of all assigned claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reserves consistent with established reserving philosophy and practices.
• Negotiating fair and equitable settlements directly with attorneys.
• Identifying risk transfer opportunities through trade contracts and/or applicable law.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Qualified candidates will have a 4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience handling commercial lines claims. Experience with New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third-party property damage claims is a plus.
• Candidates with a JD and insurance defense experience looking for a new career path are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to oversee and manage defense counsel, select and retain appropriate experts and develop appropriate resolution strategies.
• Professional designations or working towards industry specific designations are a plus.
• Exceptional organization, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills are required.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale. The estimated salary for this role ranges from $80,000 - $105,000 based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component and a comprehensive benefits package. This range is merely an estimate; actual compensation may deviate from this range based on skills, experience and qualifications.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require two full days per week in the office, with the option of working the remaining days per week at home or in the office.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Company bonus program.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!!

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.