DENNIS F. CLARK, ACA, SCLA

*** *. **** ******, ******* Beach, FL 334**-***-*** 7951 ad0x7t@r.postjobfree.com

SENIOR INSURANCE LITIGATION SPECIALIST

Results-driven and seasoned Licensed Insurance Adjuster with 20 years of experience in the Insurance industry, utilizing a strategic and consultative approach to generating cost-saving opportunities. Respected overachiever with an extensive history exercising superior leadership, interpersonal skills, and quantitative proficiency in claim management. Well-versed in investigating, analyzing, and adjusting insurance claims to ascertain the extent of liability on behalf of insurance companies, adhering to state guidelines and handling confidential/legal matters appropriately. Proven success producing error-free documentation and performing in high-volume, deadline-driven environments meticulously and efficiently. Dedicated, amicable team player capable of strengthening communication lines between senior management, colleagues, internal and external clientele, and stakeholders with diplomacy and respect.

Core Competencies: Multi-Line Insurance (Residential/Commercial Property, Automobile, Heavy Equipment, Watercraft), Claim Principle & Practice, Litigation, Corporate Representation, Field Estimates, Vendor Relations, Financial Management, Inspection Settlements, Claim Investigations, Disaster Management, Flood & Mold Damage, Construction Liability, Dispute Resolution, Negotiation Methods, Appraisal Provisions, Errors & Omissions, Salvage & Subrogation, Quality Control

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Exhibited extensive work history and strong expertise of the claim process for all lines of insurance as well as litigation management protocols.

Reviewed claims with moderate to severe levels of complexity in accordance with best practices.

Demonstrated advanced understanding of and adhered to state compliance regulations and interpretation of statutes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.

Organized and trained Corporate Representatives on file review and preparation, scheduling of events, recognizing how to testify at depositions versus trials, etc.

Maintained thorough knowledge of reviewing affirmative defenses and defense counsel responses to interrogatories pertaining to scope and price or full denials of case file lawsuits.

Familiarized with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Appointed as Litigation Specialist Team Lead, strategizing discovery activities, formulating questions for defense counsel to ask experts and fact witnesses, and enhancing workflow within assigned unit.

Processed documents/files in claim management systems, and input information into various building and auto estimating repair platforms such as Xactimate, Simsol, and Integra.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Straight Line Global (Independent Adjusting Company) 2-2023 to 6-2023

Commercial Property Claims, Large Loss, Appraisal Supervisor,

Review the independent adjusting assignment as to reported Commercial Property claims. Provide investigative direction to independent adjusters, as to Building damages, and or Business Personal Property damages. The policy review consisted of coverage considerations plus endorsements as it affects the adjustment of the claim.

As Supervisor of Large Loss claims directed assigned field adjusters as to inspection activities, the hiring of cause and origin experts. policy conditions regarding appraisal. Drafted responses to public adjusters as well as plaintiff attorneys as to activities pursuant to policy conditions for First Party Homeowner and Commercial property claims.

Directed field and independent desk adjusters regarding responses for demands for “Appraisal” as to policy guideline. Served as Quality Assurance reviewer for field adjusters reports and estimates submitted as responses to the assigned claim, for First Party Commercial and Homeowner claims.

Sedgwick Third Party Administrator, for Hiscox Insurance Corporation 02/2021 TO 1/2023

SR. CLAIMS EXAMINER

Examine and investigate Commercial Insurance claims presented for coverage as it relates to policy provisions “Business Interruption” loss of revenue. Evaluate the circumstances related to the closure, substantiate exposure if any as to possible payment. Contact with the insured and the agent of record regarding obtaining financial documents for review. Refer the file to a field adjuster to conduct an inspection of the risk, then, if necessary, refer the financial information to a forensic accountant to reconcile the documents.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Jacksonville, FL 01/2017 – 09/2020

Litigation Specialist

Support company mission in seeking prompt resolution of claims, utilizing alternative dispute resolution options and employing effective program of litigation management. Liaise with defense counsel on claims in litigation to achieve favorable outcomes, including but limited to appearing at depositions and trials, directing defense counsel strategies, working with counsel to acquire appropriate paper discovery, determining necessary depositions, and retaining experts. Collaborate with forensic experts, engineers, and general contractors to determine proper insurance coverages. Serve as Crime Prevention and Information Center (CPIC) Court Representative and Mediation Representative.

Federated National Insurance Company, Sunrise, FL 11/2015 – 11/2016

Senior Litigation Examiner

Managed investigative process of determining completeness and validity of claims, examining application data, policy files, and other internal/external records. Outlined initial aspects of the case for defense counsel as to investigative areas of third-party involvement. Coordinated with network of resources including defense counsel to certify cause, origin, and resolution of claims. Advised insured through counsel as to contractor, and independent adjuster of alternative repair concepts relative to repair versus replacement areas. Negotiated settlements with plaintiff attorneys as well as public adjusters, initiating final claim payments within scope of authority in a prompt, equitable, and cost-effective manner. Appointed Corporate Representative for the purpose of depositions, and trial representations.

All-site Construction, Inc., West Palm Beach, FL 04/2015 – 08/2015

Estimator

Assumed general estimating responsibilities with certified contracting firm specializing in commercial, education, retail, governmental, industrial, utility, renovation, and new construction. Prepared scope of work, surveyed projects, updated specifications, estimated labor and materials costs, and communicated financial obligations and project timelines to clients. Negotiated bids from material suppliers, vendors, and contractors. Resolved cost discrepancies by collecting and analyzing data. Completed and submitted special reports summarizing information and trends.

Sawgrass Mutual Insurance Company, Davie, FL 04/2012 – 04/2015

Senior Litigation Examiner

Performed in vital role with mutual property and casualty insurance company, analyzing insurance policies and investigating claims to determine validity. Coordinated with network of resources including defense counsel to certify cause, origin, and resolution of claims. Advised insured, contractor, and independent adjuster of alternative repair concepts relative to repair versus replacement areas. Negotiated settlements with plaintiff attorneys as well as public adjusters, initiating final claim payments within scope of authority in a prompt, equitable, and cost-effective manner. Represented the carrier at State of Florida sponsored Mediation, as well as trial court mandated Mediation tribunal.

Claims Consulting Services, Inc., Euless, TX 09/2011 – 04/2012

Large Loss Flood Commercial Adjuster

Estimated and adjusted Hurricane Irene flood damage, losses to residential dwellings and large commercial properties, auto, and heavy equipment based upon cost guidelines. Supervised field adjusters in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rules and regulations. Solicited assistance of forensic engineers regarding causation of damages, including structural defects due to casualty event and/or construction defect.

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT

Hunter R. Contracting, Boca Raton, FL

Senior Estimator New Construction, Remodeling,

Apple Adjusters Inc., Baton Rouge, LA

Project Manager/Executive General Adjuster Hurricane Katrina

Allstate Insurance, Woodridge, IL

Senior Market Claim Adjuster/Multi-Line

GAB Robins North America, Parsippany, NJ

Multi-Line Senior Field Adjuster/Commercial Auto Liability and Commercial Property

Crum and Forester Commercial Insurance, Oakbrook, IL

Commercial Property Claim File Supervisor

EDUCATION

Indiana University, Bloomington, In

Bachelor of Science Degree

American Educational Institute (AEI), Basking Ridge, NJ

Senior Claim Law Associate (SCLA) Designation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Licensure: Insurance Adjuster License (Texas, Oklahoma & Florida) – Accredited Claims Adjuster (ACA)

Certifications: Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) & Texas Fair Plan Association (TFPA) Level II Certification, Wind Appraiser Certification

Accreditations: Auto & Heavy Equipment Estimating, Commercial, Residential & Manufactured Housing Estimating, Maritime Surveyor – Construction Defect, Construction Management

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Society of Claim Law Associates (SCLA) Annual Conference Participant, Florida Supreme Court Certified Palm Beach County Mediator, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Martin County Volunteer, Blue Goose Construction Liaison

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Building & Auto Estimating Repair Platforms: Xactimate, Simsol, Integra, Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, G Suite/Google: Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar

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