Vilmarys Hernandez
Naples
Summary
Experienced Senior Claims Professional with over 20 years in property damage and liability claims, including high-exposure and complex litigated cases. Known for conducting thorough investigations, managing claims from start to close, and working collaboratively with legal teams, vendors, and internal departments. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Liability Claims Adjuster for Risk Management
Miami-Dade County
03.2017 - Current
- Investigating and adjusting property damage and bodily injury claims from simple to complex and high exposure cases.
- Identifying and applying available defenses i.e., statutes of limitation, comparative negligence, and other legal doctrines as appropriate
- Analyzing information, including depositions, expert reports, attorney evaluations, medical bills, and records in order to determine validity of claims and extent of the County liability exposure
- Conducting informal and recorded statements from claimants, witnesses, County employees and other appropriate parties
- Process incoming calls, correspondence and emails.
- On litigated files, collaborate with defense counsel in the preparation of cases for mediation or trials giving objective and well-considered weight to the strengths and weaknesses of case, verdict potential, and projected future costs
- Attending mediations and trials on litigated files
- Performing field investigations
- Preparing written case evaluations, outline facts, damages, exposure, County liability, allocation of the claimant’s respective share of liability and settlement recommendations for Department Directors and Mayoral approval.
- Negotiating directly with claimants and attorneys within settlement authority
- Discuss cases with claims committee members to request settlement authority when exposure exceeds the delegated authority
- Set claim file reserves accordingly
- Tender claims to contractors and their insurance carriers.
- Direct retention of experts and vendors with documented strategy/ objectives
- Social media investigation, criminal checks, driver’s license checks, ISO claim search and surveillance requests.
- Effective utilization of video software to view body cam footage and videos inside vehicles such as transit buses and premises footage.
- Close claims by issuing check or denial and securing appropriate releases
Claims Representative II for Risk Management
Miami-Dade County
02.2015 - 03.2017
- Supported Claims Manager in litigation claims preparation and administrative tasks.
- Handled incoming communications, processed legal documents, and scheduled committee meetings.
- Maintained claims database (Ivos), opened new files, and managed incident report entries.
- Liaised with attorneys, vendors, and internal departments to streamline claims handling and project execution.
Claims Specialist
Peoples Insurance Claim Center, Inc.
11.2005 - 02.2015
- Led initial customer interactions and managed data collection and investigation of property damage claims.
- Reviewed Xactimate estimates and negotiated settlements within authority limits.
- Assisted in marketing efforts including TV and radio interviews to promote services.
- Residence property damage claims handling
- Daily communication with insurance companies, insurance agencies, attorney’s offices, appraisers, and any other company or person involved in a claim.
Education
Public Adjuster All Lines License -320 -
Miami Dade College
04.2008
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification -
Florida Career College
08.2004
High School Diploma -
American School
01.2003
Skills
- Ability to work on a diary system
- Multi-jurisdictional claims handling
- Proficient in Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
- Technical knowledge of statutory regulations
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to exceed performance competencies
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Analytical skills
- Time management skills
- Excellent written & verbal skills
- Customer service orientation
- Detail-driven
- Ability to maintain productivity, communication and accountability in virtual settings
- Ability to collaborate seamlessly using tools like Zoom and Teams
- Self-motivated and organized to be able to manage my workload and meet deadlines independently while working remotely
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Liability Claims Adjuster for Risk Management
Miami-Dade County
03.2017 - Current
Claims Representative II for Risk Management
Miami-Dade County
02.2015 - 03.2017
Claims Specialist
Peoples Insurance Claim Center, Inc.
11.2005 - 02.2015
Public Adjuster All Lines License -320 -
Miami Dade College
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification -
Florida Career College
High School Diploma -
American School
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