Workers Compensation Litigated Claims Specialist II

Zurich North America; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 59,900 - 98,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive bonus (10% bonus)

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Zurich North America in Schaumburg, IL, is seeking a sharp Workers Compensation Litigated Claims Specialist II to join our high-performing claims team. This role supports multi-state operations (IN, IL, MI, SD, NE, OH) with a hybrid schedule in Schaumburg and fully remote in Indiana.

The candidate will manage litigated workers’ compensation claims, drive case strategy, reserves, and settlements while ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree and 3+ years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an associate degree with 3+ years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Completion of Zurich Claims Training Program and 2+ years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• High School Diploma Equivalent and 5+ years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s).
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets and products.

Responsibilities

• Document claims file by accurately capturing and updating claims data/information in compliance with best practices for worker’s compensation claims of moderate to high exposure and complexity.
• Exercise judgment to determine compensability by gathering and analyzing relevant facts; utilizing applicable law; establishing basic principles of negligence.
• Exercise judgment to determine policy verification and coverage determination by analyzing applicable coverage for claims and determining whether the loss falls within the coverage.
• Work to achieve a timely resolution to claims by developing case strategy; developing a case evaluation; escalating issues as appropriate.
• Establish timely reserves and perform ongoing review throughout claims cycle within authority limit by estimating and validating value of claims.
• Assess damages by calculating applicable damages or range of damages allowed by law.
• Negotiate settlement of claim by establishing appropriate negotiation strategy and utilizing available tools and resources within authority limits.
• Meet quality standards by following best practices.

Skills

Litigation

Claims management

Negotiation

Multi-state exposure

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor degree

Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice

Zurich Claims Training Program

High School Diploma Equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Zurich North America Claims we acknowledge that work life‑balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA Claims hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location, while facilitating in‑person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in‑office attendance should be expected.

Zurich North America is seeking a sharp, solutions‑driven Workers Compensation Litigated Claims Specialist II to join our high‑performing team. This is an opportunity to make meaningful impact at a company known for innovation and excellence in the insurance industry. We are hiring in two dynamic locations: Schaumburg, IL (hybrid schedule) and Indiana (fully remote).

We are seeking a candidate with proven expertise in managing litigated workers’ compensation claims in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota, Nebraska and Ohio. This multi‑state experience is essential to effectively support our regional claims operations and drive strong outcomes.

In this position you will manage Workers Compensation multi‑party commercial line claims of moderate to high exposure and complexity within specific authority limits, to ensure that claims are handled in the most efficient and effective way while delivering a customer‑centric claims service.

Responsibilities

• Document claims file by accurately capturing and updating claims data/information in compliance with best practices for worker’s compensation claims of moderate to high exposure and complexity.
• Exercise judgment to determine compensability by gathering and analyzing relevant facts; utilizing applicable law; establishing basic principles of negligence.
• Exercise judgment to determine policy verification and coverage determination by analyzing applicable coverage for claims and determining whether the loss falls within the coverage.
• Work to achieve a timely resolution to claims by developing case strategy; developing a case evaluation; escalating issues as appropriate.
• Establish timely reserves and perform ongoing review throughout claims cycle within authority limit by estimating and validating value of claims.
• Assess damages by calculating applicable damages or range of damages allowed by law.
• Negotiate settlement of claim by establishing appropriate negotiation strategy and utilizing available tools and resources within authority limits.
• Meet quality standards by following best practices.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an associate degree with 3 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Completion of Zurich Claims Training Program and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• High School Diploma Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area.
• Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s).
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets and products.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience handling high‑exposure Workers Compensation claims involving complex medical, legal, and indemnity issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage litigated claims, collaborate with defense counsel, and participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Experience handling claim transfers and transitions, with the ability to quickly assess exposure, establish action plans, and drive claims toward resolution.
• Knowledge of Owner‑Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs) and Wrap‑Up programs, including construction‑related claim handling and coverage considerations.
• Strong understanding of coverage analysis, compensability determinations, and reserve management.
• Experience identifying and pursuing risk transfer opportunities, including contractual liability and third‑party recovery potential.
• Professional experience working for an insurance carrier(s).
• Experience handling commercial claims.
• Highly preferred jurisdictions in the following states: IN, MI, SD, NE, OH and IL.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex coverage determinations to clients, customers, and brokers.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and financial acumen; skilled in interpreting insurance policies, evaluating exposure, and identifying actuarial trends.
• Adept at multi‑tasking and prioritization in fast‑paced environments, with a proactive approach to sharing insights and optimizing outcomes across functions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, build cross‑functional relationships, and leverage diverse perspectives to improve claim outcomes.
• Experienced in guiding complex litigated claims, including directing counsel, managing litigation strategy, and following best practices for reserving indemnity, medical, and expense components.

Pay and Benefits

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. The proposed salary range for this position is $59,900.00 – $98,200.00, with short‑term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.

Location and Schedule

Location(s): Indiana (virtual office), Schaumburg, IL. Remote working: Hybrid. Schedule: Full Time. Employment sponsorship offered: No.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets. Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code.