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 | FULL | | 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 understandi…