MICHAEL SALAZAR
Vallejo,CA
Summary
Results-driven Senior Resolution Manager with over 10 years of experience in California workers' compensation and complex claims litigation. Proven expertise in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and strategic negotiation, leading to exceptional closure ratios and effective team performance. Extensive policy analysis skills complement a strong background in data-driven decision-making. Holds an active California adjuster’s license, focused on enhancing operational efficiencies within the industry.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Resolution Manager
Gallagher Bassett
05.2024 - Current
- Oversee complex claims management for Sompo International North American Claims’ third-party administrator (TPA), ensuring full compliance with California Workers’ Compensation laws while delivering exceptional client service and strategic claim resolutions
- Lead weekly roundtable discussions, providing technical oversight and strategic guidance to enhance claims handling, litigation management, and resolution outcomes
- Achieved a 91% Best Practices compliance score by implementing structured action plans, reserve analysis protocols, and proactive litigation strategies high-profile hospitality claims
Senior Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
Walnut Creek, CA
11.2021 - 04.2024
- Managed 110+ complex indemnity claims valued up to $1.5M, achieving a 230% closure ratio by implementing early resolution strategies and targeted ADR methodologies
- Served as the unit’s primary technical advisor, assisting examiners in reserve analysis, coverage interpretation, and litigation strategy development, reducing escalations to supervisors
- Developed a comprehensive ADR guide, enhancing the team’s dispute resolution proficiency, reducing litigation rates, and improving client satisfaction and retention
- Led roundtable discussions on compliance, state regulations, and settlement negotiation techniques, strengthening team expertise and decision-making accuracy
- Maintained a 94% Reserve Audit Score, ensuring financial accuracy, appropriate reserving, and compliance with audit standards
Senior Claims Adjuster
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
San Diego, CA
11.2014 - 11.2021
- Ranked in the top four for closing high-value indemnity claims, including technical, catastrophic loss, and death claims, with reserve values in six figures and settlements up to $550k
- Mentored and trained junior adjusters, leading to five internal promotions and overall improvements in team performance and technical proficiency
- Optimized settlement strategies, achieving 95%-98% Reserve Audit scores, resolving claims 35% faster, and finalizing 68% via Compromise and Release, while managing 10.5 resolutions/month with a focus on compliance and stakeholder relations
- Extended settlement authority for indemnity unit members, streamlining claim resolution and improving efficiency
- Led targeted training on advanced negotiation and reserve analysis, elevating team proficiency and decision-making accuracy
- Presented advanced claim reviews, earning client commendations for clarity and expertise, while maintaining 'Highly Effective' yearly performance ratings
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Statistics
University of California - Davis
Davis, CA12.2012
Skills
- Workers' Compensation Claims Leadership
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Cross-Functional Training
- Client Relationship Management
- Litigation and Complex Claims Oversight
- Strategic thinking
- Compliance management
- Claims management
- Reserve Analysis
- Coaching and mentoring
Timeline
Senior Resolution Manager
Gallagher Bassett
05.2024 - Current
Senior Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
11.2021 - 04.2024
Senior Claims Adjuster
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
11.2014 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Statistics
University of California - Davis
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