Claims Handler in Ashton-under-Lyne

At Gallagher Bassett, we're there when it matters most because helping people through challenging moments is more than just our job, it's our purpose. Every day, we help clients navigate complexity, support recovery, and deliver outcomes that make a real difference in people's lives. It takes empathy, precision, and a strong sense of partnership and that's exactly what you'll find here. We're a team of fast-paced fixers, empathetic experts, and outcomes drivers - people who care deeply about doing the right thing and doing it well. Whether you're managing claims, supporting clients, or improving processes, you'll play a vital role in helping businesses and individuals move forward with confidence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Strata Solicitor's Gallagher Bassett in-house law firm, in a newly created role, driven by a new client win and the ongoing growth of our company! As a Casualty Defence Claims Handler, you'll take ownership of your own caseload of pre-litigated Employers Liability and Public Liability claims. From workplace injuries to third-party accidents and property damage, you'll play a vital role in delivering timely, commercially focused outcomes while maintaining exceptional service standards for our clients.

How you'll make an impact:

• Managing a portfolio of EL/PL claims from first notification to settlement, ensuring compliance with service level agreements.
• Setting up and acknowledging new claims promptly, while maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the process.
• Conducting detailed liability investigations, gathering evidence such as statements, inspection records, and training documents.
• Liaising with insured clients, brokers, witnesses, medical professionals, and third parties to progress claims efficiently.
• Accurately reserving files and regularly reviewing reserves to ensure they remain appropriate.
• Negotiating settlements with claimants, representatives, insurers, and legal firms to achieve fair and commercially sound outcomes.
• Assessing quantum using Judicial College Guidelines, medical evidence, and relevant case law.
• Identifying potential fraud indicators and escalating cases appropriately.
• Ensuring compliance with Pre-Action Protocols for Low Value and Standard EL/PL Claims.
• Preparing clear file summaries, reports, and recommendations for clients and senior management.
• Supporting Claims Managers and the Defence Operations Manager as needed.

About You:

• Previous experience handling EL/PL claims within an insurer, TPA, law firm, or defence environment.
• Understanding of personal injury, liability principles, and relevant legislation (e.g., Health & Safety at Work Act, Occupiers Liability Act).
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases effectively.
• Flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations, including working additional hours when necessary.

Compensation and benefits:

• Minimum of 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the option to buy extra days.
• Defined contribution pension scheme, which Gallagher will also contribute to.
• Life insurance, which will pay 4x your basic annual salary, which you can top-up to 10x.
• Income protection, will cover up to 50% of your annual income, with options to top up.
• Health cash plan or Private medical insurance.
• Three fully paid volunteering days per year.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan, offering company shares at a discount.
• Share incentive plan, HMRC approved, tax effective, stock purchase plan.
• Critical illness cover.
• Discounted gym membership, with over 3,000 gyms nationally.
• Season ticket loan.
• Access to a discounted voucher portal to save money on your weekly shop or next big purchase.
• Emergency back-up family care.

We value inclusion and diversity. Inclusion and diversity (I&D) is a core part of our business, and it's embedded into the fabric of our organisation. For more than 95 years, Gallagher has led with a commitment to sustainability and to support the communities where we live and work. Gallagher embraces our employees' diverse identities, experiences and talents, allowing us to better serve our clients and communities. We see inclusion as a conscious commitment and diversity as a vital strength.