Legal Claims Investigator

Legal Claims Investigator

Permanent 

Full Time

£33,603.00-£39,276.00

Job purpose:

To investigate and evaluate claims for compensation, and make recommendations on liability and quantum where appropriate, arising out of

• operational activity of the police
• employment related claims
• other civil claims for compensation as may be intimated

Main Responsibilities:

1. To investigate and handle civil claims against the police as necessary, including securing evidence, interviewing relevant persons and drafting statements (where necessary) and making recommendations to the Head of Legal and Disclosure regarding liability.
2. To notify the insurers on all qualifying cases and thereafter to update any required case management systems and file records/ audit trails at regular review stages.
3. To notify all key stakeholders as required and update the required files/records at regular review stages (including, for example, the Compensation Recovery Unit in relevant cases).
4. To work with the lawyers in the team, including accessing legal databases and undertaking general research on liability and quantum, preparing files and reporting accordingly.
5. To have professional contact as required with any external solicitors or other stakeholders handling litigation on behalf of the force and also with Claimants’ solicitors.
6. To draft standard letters pre-litigation or as required by the Civil Procedure Rules. This will include letters refuting liability in appropriate cases.
7. To provide regular written updates and reports to the line managers within legal services on all allocated cases so that they can make informed decisions on liability and/or quantum.
8. To attend Court and conferences with Counsel and arrange the attendance of witnesses and maintain and update appropriate records accordingly.
9. To monitor and evaluate the receipt and settlement of claims.  To highlight any trends and make recommendations on police procedures and Force Policy to line manager/Head of Legal, as required.
10. To fully utilise any IT and Legal Case Management system as requested and adhere to case management procedures in connection with claims dealt with by the department. 
11. To participate in meetings and work as part of the team to ensure all requirements for legal service delivery are met.
12. To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required.

Special Conditions:

This post has been designated as ‘Politically Sensitive’ under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended).

Some travel within the force area of Warwickshire.

Person Specification:

Knowledge:

Essential

• Knowledge of civil procedures in relation to compensation claims against the police.
• Substantive knowledge of police procedures and of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).

Desirable

• Knowledge of civil Court Process and Procedures

Experience:

 Essential

• Experience of working as a claims handler/investigator for an insurer/solicitors or in-house legal team OR in an investigative role and/or experience of working in a police or legal environment.
• Experience of drafting reports, gathering and analysing evidence in order to make recommendations

Desirable 

• Knowledge of personal injury claims

Key Skills:

• Ability to understand and apply case law to a given set of circumstances.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, witness statements and notes of Court hearing. 
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing. 
• Capable of working to deadlines. 
• Ability to be flexible, using own initiative and working without direct supervision. 
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.

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