Thomas Rihel
Milford,CT
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive expertise in claims management and damage evaluation, recognized for exceptional negotiation and decision-making capabilities, achieving 100% closing ratio on dedicated accounts while mentoring junior adjusters to elevate team performance. Dynamic Claims Specialist with strong negotiation and communication skills. Specializes in managing complex claims while mentoring junior adjusters. Committed to achieving excellence in risk assessment and accident investigation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Claims Specialist
ESIS
Weatogue, CT
01.2020 - Current
- Handling dedicated accounts for Chubb's Real Estate and Hospitality line of business, with a premium of $5 million and up.
- Maintained a 100% closing ratio, even though I have a 30% backlog of litigated files.
- Assist the team leader in mentoring younger adjusters in damage assessment of up to $100,000.
- Collaborate with Chubb on files up to $1,000,000 in value on premises liability and negligent security claims involving significant injuries.
Senior Claims Specialist
Navigators Insurance
Farmington , CT
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Managed complex commercial auto trucking claims across multiple states, including New York and Texas.
- Handled litigated files from initial notice to resolution in challenging venues, including Bronx and Miami-Dade counties.
- Achieved defense verdict in Florida trial despite plaintiff's medical expenses exceeding $500,000.
- Developed emergency response protocols for catastrophic trucking accidents within Specialty Auto Division.
- Collaborated with underwriting on account reviews for renewals and new business binding.
- Specialized in commercial trucking claims for accounts with premiums up to $2.5 million.
- Submitted timely large loss reports for exposures over $250,000 to senior management and reinsurance.
- Delivered exceptional customer service in managing high-stakes commercial trucking claims.
Senior Claims Adjuster
ESIS
Weatogue, CT
05.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed commercial auto and general liability claims for nationwide Third Party Administrator accounts.
- Oversaw litigation processes for large national accounts to ensure timely compliance and resolution.
- Handled litigated files involving bodily injury and premises liability across five states.
- Conducted quarterly claim reviews to evaluate performance and compliance for assigned accounts.
- Collaborated with account executives on underwriting risks and coverage issues.
- Partnered with defense counsel to devise strategies for expedited file resolutions.
- Specialized in claims management for Iron Mountain and general liability claims for Lewis Tree Service.
- Maintained licensure in over 20 states to manage diverse claim portfolios effectively.
Senior Claims Adjuster
Amerisure Insurance
Tampa, Florida
04.2012 - 05.2017
- Managed auto and general liability claims in Florida, including commercial bodily injury and premises liability.
- Handled complex litigation across Broward, Miami Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
- Fostered positive relationships with agency partners throughout claims process.
- Oversaw McDonald accounts for franchise owners, covering commercial automobile and premises liability.
- Specialized in proactive litigation for exposures up to $1M within first 14 days of incident.
- Conducted strategy calls to align on initial case direction and objectives.
- Managed case conference calls for 60 days to coordinate budget and actions with defense counsel.
- Ensured comprehensive handling of product liability claims alongside other liabilities.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Ball State University
Muncie, IN12-1999
Skills
- Claims management and damage evaluation
- Risk assessment and litigation strategy
- Negotiation and communication skills
- Accident investigation
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
Timeline
Claims Specialist
ESIS
01.2020 - Current
Senior Claims Specialist
Navigators Insurance
01.2018 - 12.2019
Senior Claims Adjuster
ESIS
05.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Claims Adjuster
Amerisure Insurance
04.2012 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science -
Ball State University