Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Location: Denver, CO
Department: Risk Management / Claims
Reports To: Senior Claims Manager, or VP of Risk Management
Position Summary
The Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster is responsible for managing a caseload of workers' compensation claims from initial report through closure. This role conducts timely investigations, evaluates compensability, directs medical management, establishes reserves, negotiates settlements, and coordinates return-to-work efforts while ensuring compliance with applicable state workers' compensation laws.
The ideal candidate possesses strong multi-state claim-handling expertise, sound judgment, return-to-work coordination, OSHA awareness and annual reporting, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage complex claims involving lost time, and litigation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Claim Investigation and Management
- Administer a caseload of workers' compensation claims from inception through resolution.
- Conduct thorough investigations to determine compensability and liability.
- Obtain and review accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and employment documentation.
- Analyze claim facts and applicable statutes to make timely compensability determinations.
- Establish and adjust reserves based on claim exposure and ongoing developments.
- Monitor claim progress and ensure file documentation is complete and accurate.
Medical and Disability Management
- Coordinate medical treatment with healthcare providers, nurse case managers, and injured employees.
- Review medical records and assess treatment plans for appropriateness and necessity.
- Monitor temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability exposures.
- Facilitate return-to-work and transitional duty programs.
- Collaborate with Human Resources and operations teams regarding work restrictions and accommodations.
Litigation and Settlement Management
- Manage litigated claims in partnership with defense counsel.
- Attend mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, and depositions as required.
- Evaluate settlement opportunities and negotiate resolutions within authority limits.
- Prepare settlement recommendations and management summaries for high-exposure claims.
- Manage Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs), structured settlements, and lien resolutions when applicable.
Financial Management
- Establish and maintain accurate claim reserves.
- Work with HR and Carrier on authorizing payments for indemnity, medical expenses, and allocated expense costs.
- Monitor claim costs and identify opportunities for cost containment.
Compliance and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and timely file documentation.
- Prepare claim status reports and management updates.
- Monitor statutory deadlines and reporting requirements.
Multi Department Collaboration
- Partner with Human Resources, Safety, and Operations departments.
- Identify trends and recommend corrective actions to reduce claim frequency and severity.
- Participate in accident review discussions and loss prevention initiatives.
- Provide guidance to managers regarding injury reporting and claims procedures.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of workers' compensation claims handling experience.
- Experience managing lost-time and litigated workers' compensation claims required.
- Multi-state claim handling experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of workers' compensation laws and claims practices.
- Strong investigation, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret medical records and evaluate treatment plans.
- Experience managing reserves and claim financial exposure.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Ability to effectively interact with employees, attorneys, medical providers, and management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and claims management systems. Riskonnect experience is a plus.
Preferred Certifications
- Associate in Claims (AIC)
- Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
- Certified Workers' Compensation Professional (CWCP)
- Workers' Compensation claims handling license(s), where required
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Litigation management effectiveness
- Return-to-work success rate
- Regulatory compliance performance
- Timeliness of claim investigations and documentation