DJ Szymanski
Framingham,MA
Summary
Self-directed and driven claims and safety professional with a comprehensive background in accident investigation, evaluation of exposure, reserve authorization and recommendation, strategy development, litigation management and resolution. Demonstrated success identifying, establishing and implementing industry best practices and training, while overseeing all GL, WC, Auto and Property claims for a large retail company
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Sr. Claims Manager
EG America
01.2020 - Current
- Led claims processing team to enhance operational efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
- Mentored junior claims managers, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to streamline claims management workflows.
- Analyzed complex claim files to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve high-stakes claims disputes effectively.
- Evaluated industry trends to inform policy updates and improve claims processing strategies.
- Managed high caseloads while maintaining excellent attention to detail throughout each claim''s lifecycle from initial reporting to final settlement or litigation process.
- Consistently met or exceeded key performance indicators in areas of customer satisfaction, cost containment, and claims resolution timeframes.
- Oversaw compliance efforts to ensure adherence to state regulations and industry best practices in all aspects of claims management.
- Negotiated favorable settlements on behalf of the company, minimizing potential exposure to costly litigation proceedings.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that streamlined processes and enhanced overall department efficiency.
- Optimized resource allocation by monitoring claim trends and adjusting staffing levels accordingly.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, including insurance providers, attorneys, and medical professionals.
- Collaborated with legal counsel on high-profile cases, protecting company interests and minimizing financial losses.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through strategic negotiations with vendors and service providers.
- Improved overall claims accuracy by conducting regular quality audits and providing feedback to staff.
- Reduced claims processing time by implementing efficient workflow systems and streamlining procedures.
- Achieved significant reduction in outstanding reserves through proactive case management strategies and timely settlement negotiations.
- Mentored junior staff members on effective negotiation techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments for more efficient resolution of interrelated claims issues.
- Determined proper course of action for claims processing.
- Handled claims consistent with client and corporate policies, procedures, best practices and regulations.
- Championed insurance claims process by providing expert knowledge and building positive, trusting relationship to support clients during challenging times.
CLAIMS AND SAFETY MANAGER
Wind River Environmental
01.2016 - 07.2019
- Created, grew, and manage the Claims and Safety department with a focus on preventing workplace injuries and decreasing OSHA rates.
- Instituted company-wide best practices and procedures resulting in a 25% decrease in workers’ compensation cost and a 50% decrease in OSHA rate within first year of inception.
- Established the formation and development of regional safety committees, which fostered a proactive approach toward workplace safety education and training that led to a company-wide decrease of safety-related issues.
- Implement and manage company drug program including all pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing. Streamlined processes by initiating use of electronic platform in place of manual paper system.
- Train technicians on safety procedures and accident prevention.
- Developed and implemented an injury management and light duty work program.
- Generate and maintain OSHA 300 logs
- Manage all DOT Driver Qualification files.
- Assist defense counsel and TPA in all aspects of GL, Property, Auto and Workers’ Compensation claims.
- Authorize cross claims, third party actions, discovery, motions to compel, motions for summary judgment, deposition, retention of experts, independent records review and medical exams.
- Authorize mediation, arbitration, appeals and trials.
- Collaborates with TPA on decisions to deny, settle on a compromise basis or take the case to a verdict.
- Manage litigated claims to ensure an appropriate strategy is developed to bring the claim to resolution. Coordinates discovery responses and requests for production of documents.
- Ensure that the TPA has evaluated the exposure based on liability, damages and jurisdiction and that an appropriate indemnity reserve is posted.
SENIOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS COORDINATOR
BJ’s Wholesale Club, INC.
01.2002 - 01.2016
- Managed all claim related activities throughout process lifecycle.
- Created tool kit for individual clubs that streamlined workers’ compensation reporting, resulting in claims being reported more quickly and efficiently.
- Directed and developed workers’ compensation claims including the review of status, reserves and action plans.
- Collaborated return-to-work with management and club personnel.
- Analyzed risks and used data and trends to develop club-tailored methods to minimize and eliminate claims.
- Liaison to third-party administrator, provided guidance and direction to outside legal counsel and medical personnel.
- Assigned surveillance and developed appropriate investigative plans.
- Worked with club and management for reporting, investigating, and assisting with injured employees return to work.
- Generated state reporting applications for Self-Insurance program.
- Participated in mediation/hearing settlements for claim resolution.
- Trained all club personnel on safety and workers compensation guidelines.
- Analyzed payroll reporting with worker’s compensation coding for accuracy resulting in overall multi-state compliance.
- Participated in bi-annual claim reviews with TPA counsel.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Business Finance
University at Albany SUNY
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving
- Training & Development
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Notary Public
- Risk Assessment
- Litigation Specialist
- Adaptability
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Negotiation
Certification
- Associate in Claims- AIC Certified
- Associate in Risk Management- ARM
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
Timeline
Sr. Claims Manager
EG America
01.2020 - Current
CLAIMS AND SAFETY MANAGER
Wind River Environmental
01.2016 - 07.2019
SENIOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS COORDINATOR
BJ’s Wholesale Club, INC.
01.2002 - 01.2016
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Business Finance
University at Albany SUNY