FELA Claim Agent

Description Position at MTA Headquarters POSTING NO. 14511 JOB TITLE: FELA Claim Agent DEPT/DIV: General Counsel WORK LOCATION:

93-02 Sutphin Blvd FULL/PART-TIME FUL L SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $95,000 DEADLINE: Until filled Opening: The Metropolitan

Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a

5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA

network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems

combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities. Position

Objective: This position has the responsibility to investigate, evaluate, and settle personal injury and property damage

claims/lawsuits from employees and customers of the Railroads (Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road ). The incumbent

must prepare all claims for trial by working closely with defense counsel from receipt of the claim and onset of the lawsuit in

order to formulate a litigation strategy and dispose of cases fairly and expeditiously. Responsibilities: The incumbent’s

responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Thorough investigation of all aspects of personal injury and

property damage claims and lawsuits, to include reporting, reserving, and medical case management.  Secure accident information

through various internal and external sources, such as witnesses, medical providers, claimant’s departmental supervisors, and

outside sources.  Evaluate LIRR or MNR’s financial liability and recommend settlement value. Interview and secure statements from

party and non-party witnesses, investigate accident scenes, perform site inspections, take photographs, and measurements.  Confer

with local police departments, local fire departments/fire marshals regarding incidents that occur on Railroad property.

Participate in investigating suspected employees’ theft of time and/or possible fraud (FMLA, sick leave, etc.)  Provide findings

to internal departments and trial offices for appropriate disciplinary action.  Testify and assist at disciplinary

hearings/trials. Enable facilitation of System Safety investigations by providing claim investigation results within the confines

of legal privilege and confidentiality.  Confer with and assist in FRA, PTSB, PESH, and NTSB investigations and audits.  Confer

with and assist the Inspector General’s Office in investigations and criminal prosecution.  Confer with and assist in NYS, NY

State Comptroller, MTA, and Consultant audits. Negotiate and settle Federal Employers’ Liability (“FELA”) and General Liability

claims and lawsuits directly with claimant or with plaintiff’s counsel.  Represent LIRR or MNR regarding litigation cases

involving employees and customers by attending and participating in federal and state court conferences, depositions, mediations,

and trials. Prepare all pending lawsuits for trial and assist defense counsel with discovery requests, witness

identification/interviews, and medical authorizations.  Assist defense counsel with formulation of litigation strategy. Identify

third-party responsibility for handling and payment of claims, as well as reading and interpreting contracts and pursuing and

expediting tender requests for defense and indemnification. As Third Party Administrator for MTA/MNR/LIRR, handle Station

Maintenance and Force Account claims and lawsuits for employees and customer injuries. Must be on call 24/7 on a rotating basis to

respond to accident scenes Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Proficiency to generate accurate, detailed reports based upon

claim analysis and evaluation of compiled investigative data Strong analytical skills Excellent written and verbal communication

skills Excellent understanding of medical, legal, and insurance terminology Excellent organizational skills Excellent

investigational and negotiation skills and alternative dispute resolution methodology Ability to evaluate and analyze claims

issues to obtain fair and cost-effective settlements Ability to handle assignments in a timely manner and in adherence to

deadlines Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable software applications Must become track-qualified Ability to

effectively interface with all levels of the organization, including union representatives and external customers, including

attorneys, judges, and mediators Familiarity with railroad operations, policies, and programs preferred Must have a valid driver’s

license and have access to a vehicle Proficiency to generate accurate, detailed reports based upon claim analysis and evaluation

of compiled investigative data Strong analytical skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent understanding

of medical, legal, and insurance terminology Excellent organizational skills Excellent investigational and negotiation skills and

alternative dispute resolution methodology Ability to evaluate and analyze claims issues to obtain fair and cost-effective

settlements Ability to handle assignments in a timely manner and in adherence to deadlines Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

and/or comparable software applications Must become track-qualified Ability to effectively interface with all levels of the

organization, including union representatives and external customers, including attorneys, judges, and mediators Familiarity with

railroad operations, policies, and programs preferred Must have a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Required

Education and Experience: Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice , Business, Law, Insurance Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related

field. Demonstrated equivalent education, experience, and/or technical credentials, including four (4) years of related

experience, may be included in lieu of a degree. Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing claims/lawsuits, which includes

investigation, negotiations, and settlements. New York State Casualty or NYS Independent Adjuster’s license.  If the successful

candidate does not have a license, he/she will be required to obtain a license within six (6) months of hire. This position

requires individuals to have an investigative background, as each Claim Agent handles a claim from onset to completion, whether it

is settled in the claim stage or becomes a lawsuit. The Following is/are preferred : Knowledge of FELA, General Liability, Auto

Liability & Public Authorities Law Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and the union working environment Knowledge

of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology Other Information May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and

weekends) Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites . According to the New York State Public Officers

Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure

(FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”). Equal Employment Opportunity MTA and its

subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with

disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military

service members, to apply.