Michele Ranger
Evanston,IL
Summary
Catastrophic WC Specialist skilled in thorough investigating including surveillance, records review and and analyzing liability and exposure of workers compensation claims. Proven history of leveraging excellent negotiation skills to facilitate settlements. Excellent communication skills demonstrated through 30 years of experience interviewing specialists, witnesses and claimants to compile information. Handling Catastrophic claims from inception to conclusion. Including TTD, TPD and Settlements. Limiting litigation expense by handing and settling litigated claims directly with the claimant's attorneys vs referring claims out to counsel
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Worker's Compensation Independent Adjuster
Self-employeed
Chicago, IL
06.2017 - Current
- Conducted day-to-day administrative tasks to maintain information files and process paperwork.
- Performed in person file reviews with agents and insureds to discuss reserves,resolutions and light duty return to work opportunities
- Examined claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- Read over insurance policies to ascertain levels of coverage and determine whether claims would receive approvals or denials.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Negotiated Workers Compensation disputed claims reaching a settlement
- Conducted comprehensive interviews of witnesses and claimants to gather facts and information.
- Reviewed new files to determine current status of injury claim and to develop plan of action.
- Resolved complex, severe exposure claims using high service oriented file handling.
- Maintained contact with claimants and attorneys to determine treatment status.
- Reviewed and analyzed suspicious and potentially fraudulent insurance claims.
- Interviewed agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and investigate questionable claims.
- Worked with private investigators and attorneys on preparation of evidence, witness statements and other documentation in preparation for trial.
- Reviewed medical treatment records and to determine extent of exposure
Senior Cat Workers Compensation Trainer/Insurance Adjuster
United Heartland
Rosemont, IL
02.2003 - 06.2017
- Conducted day-to-day administrative tasks to maintain information files and process paperwork.
- Examined claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- Read over insurance policies to ascertain levels of coverage and determine whether claims would receive approvals or denials.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Negotiated Workers Compensation disputed claims reaching a settlement
- Conducted comprehensive interviews of witnesses and claimants to gather facts and information.
- Reviewed new files to determine current status of injury claim and to develop plan of action.
- Resolved complex, severe exposure claims using high service oriented file handling.
- Maintained contact with claimants and attorneys to determine treatment status.
- Reviewed and analyzed suspicious and potentially fraudulent insurance claims.
- Interviewed agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and investigate questionable claims.
- Worked with private investigators and attorneys on preparation of evidence, witness statements and other documentation in preparation for trial.
- Reviewed medical treatment records and to determine extent of exposure
Education
AIC 33, 34, 36
Insurance School Of Chicago
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science -
North Eastern University & Now Loyola
Chicago04-2026
ARBITRATORS EXAM
ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL
Skills
- Inbound Phone Calls
- Advising Employers
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employee Relations
- Catastrophic claim adjudication
- Investigation inception to finish
- Determine Medical Necessity
- Best Practices
- Litigation reserve management
- Client Requirements quarterly meetings
- Microsoft Excel
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Oral Presentations
- Training and auditing junior team members
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Claimant recorded statements
- Reserves Recommendations for duration of claims
- Litigation management
- Workers' Compensation Claims aggressive closure and investigation
- Quarterly File Reviews with insureds
- Case Evaluations with Osha investigations
Timeline
Sr. Worker's Compensation Independent Adjuster
Self-employeed
06.2017 - Current
Senior Cat Workers Compensation Trainer/Insurance Adjuster
United Heartland
02.2003 - 06.2017
ARBITRATORS EXAM
ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL
AIC 33, 34, 36
Insurance School Of Chicago
Bachelor of Science -
North Eastern University & Now Loyola