Claims handler (clinical law)

The practice

Capsticks is independently rated by the Legal 500 and Chambers directory as the leading provider of legal services to the health and social care sector and in the field of professional discipline. In June 2013 the firm also acquired a highly rated social housing practice, creating a firm with over 230 fee earners across four offices in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Winchester. The firm acts for over 200 clients, including all forms of NHS provider and commissioner organisations, the Department of Health, the NHSLA, regulatory bodies, charities, independent healthcare providers, housing associations, medical malpractice insurers and defence organisations.  

We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in healthcare and who wish to develop their career in this area of law.

The clinical law department comprises 60 fee earners over three offices (Wimbledon, Leeds and Birmingham).  The firm has been a member of the NHSLA’s panel of lawyers since its inception and, in addition to clinical negligence work, the department carries out a wide range of other work which includes advising on regulatory matters, public law issues, judicial reviews, mental health issues and clinical risk management. Further details on the partners in the department and the type of work carried out can be found on our website at www.capsticks.com.

The role

Capsticks has been appointed to provide a claims handling service for a number of Trusts.  We are seeking a full-time Claims Handler to work in our London office. Supervision and support will be provided by our lawyers based in London, although the successful applicant will be encouraged to use their own initiative.

The main role and responsibilities will include:

• Co-ordinating and reviewing medical records before disclosure;
• Dealing with disclosure of medical records to Claimant’s solicitors;
• Dealing with requests on limitation;
• Liaising with Trusts in order to obtain clinicians’ comments and documentary evidence as required;
• Investigating each claim as reasonably required;
• Preparation of clinical claim reporting forms and responsibility for ensuring reporting standards are met;
• Liaising with NHSLA Claims Managers and Panel Solicitors;
• Keeping Trust clinicians and senior management up to date with developments;
• Responsibility for the management of each claim from inception through to completion and closure;
• Responsibility for the overall management of each portfolio of claims;
• Responsibility for time frames and key dates within each portfolio of claims;
• Dealing efficiently with a high volume of claims;
• Providing necessary administrative assistance to Trusts and to Panel Firms; and
• Any other duties as reasonably requested.

Candidate specification

Candidates should be educated to degree/similar level. A legal qualification would be desirable but is not essential. Ideally candidates will have experience of:

• handling claims and/or complaints in a proactive and client-focused manner within set service levels;
• experience in the handling of claims within an insurance or medical organisation;
• assisting lawyers in negotiating and settling claims fairly and promptly;

• building relationships and gaining confidence when handling claims; and
• working unsupervised and able to show initiative.

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate at interview that they are:

• proactive;
• self-motivated;
• well organised;
• an excellent communicator;
• analytical;
• engaged;
• take ownership;
• feel comfortable with the level of responsibility;
• take pride in their work; and
• confident with IT/computer skills.

Candidates should ideally be available to start immediately (or within one month) and if you are interested in applying for this position please e-mail your CV and covering letter for the attention of Caroline Ward, HR Manager, to [email protected] with the heading “Claims Handler - London”. The deadline for applications is close of business on Wednesday 16 September 2015 and please note we are only able to respond to candidates we call for interview.

Capsticks is an equal opportunities employer

Capsticks is committed to providing equal opportunities and encouraging diversity in employment.  All job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.