JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary:
The Workers' Compensation Defense Paralegal supports the company's legal and risk management team in defending workers' compensation claims filed against the company across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). This position works closely with insurance adjusters, third party administrators (TPAs), independent medical examination (IME) providers, and defense counsel to manage claims from first report of injury through resolution. The role requires fluency in English and Spanish, current paralegal certification, strong knowledge of workers' compensation law, and the ability to manage strict statutory deadlines across multiple jurisdictions. This is a safety-sensitive position due to its role in claims involving workplace injuries, return-to-work coordination, and compliance with occupational safety and workers' compensation regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Review and respond to workers' compensation claims filed against the company in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, in coordination with defense counsel.
- Coordinate with insurance adjusters, third party administrators, nurse case managers, and independent medical examination (IME) doctors to manage the claims process.
- Draft denials, answers, and other defense pleadings and correspondence in accordance with DC, MD, and VA workers' compensation statutes and procedures.
- Track and comply with strict statutory response deadlines and filing requirements across all three jurisdictions.
- Manage subrogation and lien resolution matters, including identifying recovery opportunities and coordinating with carriers and counsel.
- Communicate with injured employees, supervisors, medical providers, insurance carriers/TPAs, and defense counsel in both English and Spanish.
- Prepare and translate claims correspondence, forms, and legal notices for Spanish-speaking employees.
- Investigate claim details by gathering information from employees, supervisors, and witnesses.
- Coordinate medical treatment authorizations, return-to-work plans, and light-duty accommodations in support of claim resolution.
- Maintain accurate, well-organized case files and documentation in compliance with company standards and applicable regulations.
- Assist attorneys with hearing and deposition preparation, including gathering medical records, witness statements, and other evidence.
- Monitor claim activity and proactively support timely resolution of open claims.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both verbal and written, required.
- Current paralegal certificate required.
- Minimum three years of workers' compensation experience required.
- Experience on the defense side strongly preferred.
- Experience in the construction industry strongly preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and claims management systems.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound, professional judgment.
- Experience working with insurance carriers, TPAs, medical providers, and legal representatives preferred.
Note: This is an on-site position and requires the ability to work in the office during standard business hours.
Safety-Sensitive Designation:
This position is designated as safety-sensitive due to its direct involvement in workplace injury claims, return-to-work decisions, and compliance with occupational safety and workers' compensation requirements. As such, this position is subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable-suspicion, and post-incident drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
Working Conditions:
- In-person with prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Finger dexterity for extensive amounts of typing.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time.
- This job requires the ability to see, whether naturally or with vision correction tools (glasses, contacts).
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribe to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or employees are considered for hire, promotion, training opportunities, and work assignments, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal or local laws.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has discretion to add or modify job duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.