DEBORAH L. ELLIOTT
Anaheim Hills,CA
Summary
Professional with over 22 years of experience in defense law and claims management for insurance companies, specializing in construction defect cases involving subcontractors and builders. Expertise in claim and litigation management, coverage evaluation, liability assessment, negotiations, and efficient claim resolution. Proven leadership in high-pressure environments, demonstrating strong problem-solving, and analytical skills. Proficient in business software, including Microsoft Office, Legal-X, Guidewire, and IMS.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical Claims Specialist
Applied Claims Group LLC
Dallas, TX
09.2024 - Current
- Analyze and interpret policy language to determine coverage across various business lines.
- Gather information from insureds and third parties for coverage investigation.
- Communicate effectively with policyholders through written updates and discussions regarding claim processes.
- Manage caseload by prioritizing urgent, high-value claims in litigation.
- Resolve claims through mediation or direct negotiations with claimants and counsel to ensure fair outcomes, and minimize litigation risks.
- Utilize attorneys, experts, and vendors for liability and damage investigation, leading to accurate exposure evaluation.
- Ongoing review and evaluation of claims to ensure reserves are adequate, and settlements are reached within those limits.
- Utilize the Microsoft Office Suite for communications and company programs, such as IMS and Venitiv, to maintain documentation of all claim activity.
- Engage in continuing education to stay abreast of state-specific laws, industry trends, and claims management best practices.
- Collaborate with the underwriting team to provide insights on risk assessment and potential policy adjustments.
- Participate in the training and mentoring of new claims adjusters, sharing knowledge, and providing guidance on complex issues or scenarios.
Senior Claims Resolution Specialist III
Liberty Mutual Insurance - State Auto
Columbus, OH
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Managed complex construction defect claims from investigation to resolution for builders, general contractors, and subcontractors across multiple states.
- Analyzed primary and excess commercial insurance policies (standard and surplus lines) to assess coverage against alleged facts.
- Established indemnity and expense reserves based on documented exposure analysis; regularly reassessed reserve adequacy.
- Facilitated early resolution opportunities for claims pre-suit and claims in litigation by engaging directly with opposing counsel and mediators to lower litigation costs.
- Evaluated risk transfer options, tendering claims to other carriers, subcontractors, and other parties on the risk.
- Collaborated with defense counsel on litigation strategy, expert retention, discovery processes, and resolution planning while controlling expenses.
- Participated in large loss roundtable meetings with management, preparing reports outlining coverage, liability exposure, and critical issues.
- Managed a substantial claim count while adhering to company claim handling guidelines.
- Delivered timely coverage letters, including reservations of rights, and disclaimers to named insureds and additional insureds.
- Oversaw approximately 20 claims for policies in runoff, handled externally by a TPA. Responsibilities encompassed assessing reserve increase requests, authorizing defense counsel and expert referrals, confirming coverage denials and reservation of rights letters, and engaging in monthly meetings with upper management about TPA activities, maintaining compliance with corporate policies and insurance regulations.
Senior Claims Specialist
National Claim Services
Atlanta, GA
05.2020 - 09.2022
- Investigated and resolved construction defect claims across multiple states.
- Reviewed CGL policies and endorsements; drafted coverage position letters.
- Evaluated liability, damages, and exposure, and established timely reserves.
- Initiated settlement discussions pre-litigation, achieving early claim resolution through informal negotiations.
- Analyzed risk transfer opportunities, submitted tenders to co-carriers, and sought carrier engagement during claim proceedings and after resolution.
- Retained defense counsel and devised litigation strategies to manage expenses.
- Communicated regularly with management, underwriters, agents, co-carriers, and insureds.
- Trained new associates in claim processes, policy analysis, and contract analysis regarding subcontract agreements for liability evaluation, and settlement agreements for determining compliance with settlement terms.
Senior Attorney
KENNEDY & SOUZA
San Diego, CA
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Effectively represented clients in construction defect cases on behalf of insurers.
- Oversaw all litigation stages, including written discovery, and witness depositions.
- Advised subcontractors and claims professionals on pertinent legal issues and liability implications.
- Executed comprehensive legal research for case strategy.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including motions and briefs.
- Negotiated multi-party settlements and drafted release agreements to ensure accurate terms were reflected.
Trial Attorney - Staff Counsel for AIG Insurance
SKEBBA ISAAC & BUECHLER, AIG Insurance
Santa Ana, CA
11.2006 - 07.2019
- Defended trade clients in commercial and residential construction defect cases on behalf of insurance carrier.
- Represented insurance company in lawsuits involving bankrupt or suspended insureds, facilitating carrier's intervention in the proceedings.
- Managed a large caseload through collaboration with the legal support team to ensure effective case handling
- Investigated claims through use of experts, site inspections, written discovery, and depositions
- Evaluated client liability and exposure through legal analysis, discovery materials, contract language, and expert opinions.
- Maintained communication with claims professionals through timely 60-day reports on critical issues.
- Negotiated hundreds of settlements via formal mediation and informal discussions with opposing counsel.
- Facilitated joint defense agreements and settlement releases to streamline resolution processes.
Associate Attorney
KRING & CHUNG, LLP
Irvine, CA
11.2001 - 10.2006
- Defended subcontractor trade clients in construction defect cases, achieving favorable outcomes.
- Consulted with experts and attended site inspections and destructive testing to gather evidence.
- Performed legal research for law and motion, enhancing trial preparation efficiency.
- Attended depositions, mediations, court hearings, and settlement conferences to support case strategies.
- Prepared comprehensive status reports for carriers and trade clients before and after mediations.
Associate Attorney
HORTON & RYAN
San Diego, CA
11.2000 - 11.2001
- Represented subcontractor trade clients in construction defect matters.
- Coordinated discovery efforts, including document requests and responses from third parties.
- Assisted senior attorneys with trial preparation to ensure comprehensive case management.
- Conducted legal research and fact investigation to support case strategies.
- Attended site inspections with retained experts to gather crucial evidence.
- Participated in homeowner depositions, mediations, and status conferences to facilitate resolution.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
San Diego, California12.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, California06.1992
Skills
- Claims and reserve management
- Policy analysis and coverage determination
- Liability evaluation and risk assessment
- Litigation management and billing
- Litigation strategy and vendor collaboration
- Cost analysis and settlement strategy
- Communication skills and report writing
- Time management and multitasking
- Mentoring and problem-solving
- Collaboration and active listening
Professional Licenses
- State Bar of California License No. 190582, December, 1997
- Property & Casualty Insurance Adjuster Licensed in multiple states including CA, FL, TX
Timeline
Senior Technical Claims Specialist
Applied Claims Group LLC
09.2024 - Current
Senior Claims Resolution Specialist III
Liberty Mutual Insurance - State Auto
09.2022 - 09.2024
Senior Claims Specialist
National Claim Services
05.2020 - 09.2022
Senior Attorney
KENNEDY & SOUZA
09.2019 - 05.2020
Trial Attorney - Staff Counsel for AIG Insurance
SKEBBA ISAAC & BUECHLER, AIG Insurance
11.2006 - 07.2019
Associate Attorney
KRING & CHUNG, LLP
11.2001 - 10.2006
Associate Attorney
HORTON & RYAN
11.2000 - 11.2001
Juris Doctor -
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Sacramento
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