Polished Legal Professional
Jeffrey Harrison
------------/in/jeffrey-harrison-991b10187
2915 Kirk Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-3633*------------* ------------
SKILLS
*Excellent reporting, investigative skills *Legal jargon knowledge *Ability to work independently
*Motivator, and team player *Energetic and punctual *Self starter and risk taker *Strong work ethics *Inquisitive, always striving to learn more *Analytical *Strong communication skills *Professional
KEY COMPETENCIES
Experienced, motivated, reliable, detail-oriented, attentive paralegal with over (20) twenty
years of direct hands on experience in workers’ compensation cases; Plaintiff and Defense work.
EDUCATION
1984 Bachelor of Arts Degree Morgan State College, Baltimore., MD. (Business) 5.0GPA
1980 Associate of Arts Degree B.C.C.C., Baltimore, MD. (Accounting) 4.8GPA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LAW OFFICES OF SEAN HANOVER AUGUST 2017- JANUARY 5, 2019
Workers’ Comp Paralegal, Sr.
? New client telephone screening.
? Participate in initial interview. Obtain claim information and medical authorizations from client. Ascertain issues in dispute under direction of attorney.
? Determine claim status and/or assist in filing claim with Division of Workers Compensation. Verify parties in proceeding.
? Assist attorney in evaluation of employer and/or insurance carrier liability.
? Draft Entry of appearance for attorney review.
? Obtain medical and employment records, and causation reports. Obtain copy of insurance carrier claim file. If provider will not release records, set a records deposition and send a subpoena duces tecum under guidance of the attorney.
? Transmit medical record request authorizations to claimant's treating physicians/providers.
? Tickle response to authorizations for release of information and interrogatories.
? Obtain prior workers compensation claim history from Workers’ Compensation Commission.
? Research legal questions/issues.
? Meet with Claimant to go over response to interrogatories. Prepare response to interrogatories and requested attachments, under attorney’s guidance.
? Submit Claimant’s mileage, prescription, or any other reimbursement request to carrier.
? Coordinate transportation requests and needs with carrier.
? Schedule pre-hearing conference and/or settlement conference and notify parties.
? Conduct periodic review and evaluation of claim status. Maintain contact with claimant to ascertain medical and employment status, and wage information, if applicable.
? Contact claims adjuster regarding initial payment of lost wages, authorization for medical care, and admissions of liability.
? Contact claimant's treating physicians to coordinate medical care and determine status of claimant's treatment.
? Contact and assist in retention of vocational rehabilitation counselor for employability evaluation and to schedule testimony at hearing.
? Draft correspondence to all parties.
? Review and organize claim documentation.
? Schedule depositions of party(ies), expert and lay witnesses.
? Draft Notices of Deposition for attorney review.
? Schedule and confirm court reporter.
? Schedule interpreter if necessary.
? Prepare subpoenas, determine fees, and coordinate service.
? Digest/summarize deposition transcripts.
? Draft Motions, Applications for Hearing, and Request for Expedited Hearing, if applicable, for attorney review.
? Draft Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents for attorney review.
? Prepare Request and Notice for Independent Medical Examination (IME) and schedule same. Assist with preparing client for IME appointment. Follow up with respondents to ensure medical records sent to IME physician and review medical records to supplement if necessary, under attorney’s guidance.
? Obtain treating physician's report of MMI/Impairment Rating.
? Prepare Request for Lump Sum paperwork, if applicable, for attorney review.
? Request and schedule hearing with Workers’ Compensation Commission. Send out confirmation of hearing notices.
? Prepare medical records, employment documentation, tax records, and vocational reports for exchange with opposing counsel twenty (14) days prior to hearing.
? Conduct informal witness interviews.
? Follow up with medical providers and employers for updated information.
? Re-evaluate disputed issues with attorney.
? Assist with witness coordination for hearing testimony. Draft Endorsement of Witnesses and Exhibits for hearing, for attorney review. Prepare subpoenas and services of same for expert or lay witnesses.
? Prepare exhibits for use by attorney at hearing.
? Schedule Claimant to come in and review Full and Final Settlement Agreement and Motion for Approval of same, with attorney.
? Coordinate delivery of settlement proceeds to WCC or respondents.
? Follow up on status of settlement proceeds.
SEMMES, BOWEN & SEMMES JUNE 2014-AUGUST 2017
Workers’ Comp Paralegal, Sr.
? Coordinated legal and administrative functions within a busy law office which centered on supporting legal staff members and maintaining communication with clients
? Provided coaching and training to internal team members regarding filing requirements and the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Worker’s Compensation Commission regulatory standards
? Responsible for responding to Petitions for Judicial Review before a Court of competent jurisdiction.
? Strong calendar monitoring to assure that attorney and clients were always covered, present at schedule hearings, depositions, etc.
? Responsible for entry of appearance of attorneys before the Office of Hearings and Adjudications in Washington, D.C., sole responsibility for handling DC claims.
? Extensive telephone and email communication with clients (employers, insurers, opposing counsel)
? Responsible for receipt of new files, requesting of medical records, entry of appearance, retention letters to opposing counsel, conflict checks internally
? Responsible for overseeing billing of co-workers to assure that clients were properly billed and that work was being performed in a timely fashion to avoid “overbilling”
? Responsible for answers to discovery materials, RPD, Interrogatories
? Review, prepare draft settlement agreements, vocational rehabilitation recommendations, nurse case management practitioners
MARKEL SPECIALTY INS. (TPA) APRIL 2000 – MAY 2014
Junior Claims Representative
? Reviews, examines, investigates, analyzes and resolves workers’ compensation claims.
? Develops strategic action plans to bring claims to prompt and equitable resolution.
? Identifies key interested parties and obtains recorded statements as necessary.
? Assesses witnesses’ credibility.
? Analyzes and resolves conflicts in the evidence.
? Determines claim compensability based on witness statements and other evidence.
? Establishes appropriate reserve levels based on his/her estimate of financial exposure and updates reserves upon receipt of new information within the even greater financial authority afforded to Junior Workers Compensation Claims Examiners.
? Accepts or delays claims and makes recommendations to manager regarding claim denials.
? Accurately determines average weekly wages and workers’ compensation benefit rates and pays benefits timely.
? Directs Claims Assistant(s) to issue notices and makes payments in accordance with State mandated requirements.
? Interacts with injured employees to ensure awareness and understanding of the workers’ compensation process, requirements and statutory benefits.
? Coordinates medical treatment for injured employees and interacts with medical providers regarding employees’ medical history and job requirements.
? Assesses subrogation potential and pursues reimbursement.
? Negotiates claim settlements within established limits.
? Weighs the costs and benefits of going to trial versus entering into a settlement and chooses the most effective option.
? Presents settlement recommendations to client(s), if required.
? Independently resolves liens without defense attorney involvement.
? Serves as a liaison between medical providers, claimants, legal professionals and clients.
? Informs clients of injured employees’ work restrictions and coordinates appropriate accommodations.
? Reviews medical reports to ensure that the appropriate American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines have been applied when rating permanent impairment.
? Communicates with defense attorneys and clients on litigated cases and develops strategies for claim resolution.
? Decides when to retain counsel.
? Develops litigation strategy with counsel.
? Assist with the litigation process.
? Prepares or reviews legal documents for submission to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
? Manages all discovery requests by the defense attorney.
? Attends and participates in hearings when requested.
? Audits incoming invoices and/or bills for accuracy and appropriateness.
? Processes treatment requests in line with applicable state mandated Utilization Review standards.
? Coordinates with field investigators when conducting compensability, subrogation or subrosa investigations.
? Prepares claim status reports and presents to clients.
? Complies with excess insurance reporting requirements and seeks reimbursement where appropriate.
? Seeks reimbursement from co-defendants or subsequent injury funds.
? Identifies and reports all suspected fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities and/or state agencies.
? Complies with Medicare Set Aside obligations.
? Stays abreast of applicable laws, new trends, pending legislation and case law related to workers’ compensation.
? Manages outgoing payments in a timely manner.
? Effectively manages client and other communications and maintains claim notes and status reports timely and accurately.
Jeffrey Harrison
------------/in/jeffrey-harrison-991b10187
2915 Kirk Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-3633*------------* ------------
SKILLS
*Excellent reporting, investigative skills *Legal jargon knowledge *Ability to work independently
*Motivator, and team player *Energetic and punctual *Self starter and risk taker *Strong work ethics *Inquisitive, always striving to learn more *Analytical *Strong communication skills *Professional
KEY COMPETENCIES
Experienced, motivated, reliable, detail-oriented, attentive paralegal with over (20) twenty
years of direct hands on experience in workers’ compensation cases; Plaintiff and Defense work.
EDUCATION
1984 Bachelor of Arts Degree Morgan State College, Baltimore., MD. (Business) 5.0GPA
1980 Associate of Arts Degree B.C.C.C., Baltimore, MD. (Accounting) 4.8GPA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LAW OFFICES OF SEAN HANOVER AUGUST 2017- JANUARY 5, 2019
Workers’ Comp Paralegal, Sr.
? New client telephone screening.
? Participate in initial interview. Obtain claim information and medical authorizations from client. Ascertain issues in dispute under direction of attorney.
? Determine claim status and/or assist in filing claim with Division of Workers Compensation. Verify parties in proceeding.
? Assist attorney in evaluation of employer and/or insurance carrier liability.
? Draft Entry of appearance for attorney review.
? Obtain medical and employment records, and causation reports. Obtain copy of insurance carrier claim file. If provider will not release records, set a records deposition and send a subpoena duces tecum under guidance of the attorney.
? Transmit medical record request authorizations to claimant's treating physicians/providers.
? Tickle response to authorizations for release of information and interrogatories.
? Obtain prior workers compensation claim history from Workers’ Compensation Commission.
? Research legal questions/issues.
? Meet with Claimant to go over response to interrogatories. Prepare response to interrogatories and requested attachments, under attorney’s guidance.
? Submit Claimant’s mileage, prescription, or any other reimbursement request to carrier.
? Coordinate transportation requests and needs with carrier.
? Schedule pre-hearing conference and/or settlement conference and notify parties.
? Conduct periodic review and evaluation of claim status. Maintain contact with claimant to ascertain medical and employment status, and wage information, if applicable.
? Contact claims adjuster regarding initial payment of lost wages, authorization for medical care, and admissions of liability.
? Contact claimant's treating physicians to coordinate medical care and determine status of claimant's treatment.
? Contact and assist in retention of vocational rehabilitation counselor for employability evaluation and to schedule testimony at hearing.
? Draft correspondence to all parties.
? Review and organize claim documentation.
? Schedule depositions of party(ies), expert and lay witnesses.
? Draft Notices of Deposition for attorney review.
? Schedule and confirm court reporter.
? Schedule interpreter if necessary.
? Prepare subpoenas, determine fees, and coordinate service.
? Digest/summarize deposition transcripts.
? Draft Motions, Applications for Hearing, and Request for Expedited Hearing, if applicable, for attorney review.
? Draft Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents for attorney review.
? Prepare Request and Notice for Independent Medical Examination (IME) and schedule same. Assist with preparing client for IME appointment. Follow up with respondents to ensure medical records sent to IME physician and review medical records to supplement if necessary, under attorney’s guidance.
? Obtain treating physician's report of MMI/Impairment Rating.
? Prepare Request for Lump Sum paperwork, if applicable, for attorney review.
? Request and schedule hearing with Workers’ Compensation Commission. Send out confirmation of hearing notices.
? Prepare medical records, employment documentation, tax records, and vocational reports for exchange with opposing counsel twenty (14) days prior to hearing.
? Conduct informal witness interviews.
? Follow up with medical providers and employers for updated information.
? Re-evaluate disputed issues with attorney.
? Assist with witness coordination for hearing testimony. Draft Endorsement of Witnesses and Exhibits for hearing, for attorney review. Prepare subpoenas and services of same for expert or lay witnesses.
? Prepare exhibits for use by attorney at hearing.
? Schedule Claimant to come in and review Full and Final Settlement Agreement and Motion for Approval of same, with attorney.
? Coordinate delivery of settlement proceeds to WCC or respondents.
? Follow up on status of settlement proceeds.
SEMMES, BOWEN & SEMMES JUNE 2014-AUGUST 2017
Workers’ Comp Paralegal, Sr.
? Coordinated legal and administrative functions within a busy law office which centered on supporting legal staff members and maintaining communication with clients
? Provided coaching and training to internal team members regarding filing requirements and the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Worker’s Compensation Commission regulatory standards
? Responsible for responding to Petitions for Judicial Review before a Court of competent jurisdiction.
? Strong calendar monitoring to assure that attorney and clients were always covered, present at schedule hearings, depositions, etc.
? Responsible for entry of appearance of attorneys before the Office of Hearings and Adjudications in Washington, D.C., sole responsibility for handling DC claims.
? Extensive telephone and email communication with clients (employers, insurers, opposing counsel)
? Responsible for receipt of new files, requesting of medical records, entry of appearance, retention letters to opposing counsel, conflict checks internally
? Responsible for overseeing billing of co-workers to assure that clients were properly billed and that work was being performed in a timely fashion to avoid “overbilling”
? Responsible for answers to discovery materials, RPD, Interrogatories
? Review, prepare draft settlement agreements, vocational rehabilitation recommendations, nurse case management practitioners
MARKEL SPECIALTY INS. (TPA) APRIL 2000 – MAY 2014
Junior Claims Representative
? Reviews, examines, investigates, analyzes and resolves workers’ compensation claims.
? Develops strategic action plans to bring claims to prompt and equitable resolution.
? Identifies key interested parties and obtains recorded statements as necessary.
? Assesses witnesses’ credibility.
? Analyzes and resolves conflicts in the evidence.
? Determines claim compensability based on witness statements and other evidence.
? Establishes appropriate reserve levels based on his/her estimate of financial exposure and updates reserves upon receipt of new information within the even greater financial authority afforded to Junior Workers Compensation Claims Examiners.
? Accepts or delays claims and makes recommendations to manager regarding claim denials.
? Accurately determines average weekly wages and workers’ compensation benefit rates and pays benefits timely.
? Directs Claims Assistant(s) to issue notices and makes payments in accordance with State mandated requirements.
? Interacts with injured employees to ensure awareness and understanding of the workers’ compensation process, requirements and statutory benefits.
? Coordinates medical treatment for injured employees and interacts with medical providers regarding employees’ medical history and job requirements.
? Assesses subrogation potential and pursues reimbursement.
? Negotiates claim settlements within established limits.
? Weighs the costs and benefits of going to trial versus entering into a settlement and chooses the most effective option.
? Presents settlement recommendations to client(s), if required.
? Independently resolves liens without defense attorney involvement.
? Serves as a liaison between medical providers, claimants, legal professionals and clients.
? Informs clients of injured employees’ work restrictions and coordinates appropriate accommodations.
? Reviews medical reports to ensure that the appropriate American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines have been applied when rating permanent impairment.
? Communicates with defense attorneys and clients on litigated cases and develops strategies for claim resolution.
? Decides when to retain counsel.
? Develops litigation strategy with counsel.
? Assist with the litigation process.
? Prepares or reviews legal documents for submission to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
? Manages all discovery requests by the defense attorney.
? Attends and participates in hearings when requested.
? Audits incoming invoices and/or bills for accuracy and appropriateness.
? Processes treatment requests in line with applicable state mandated Utilization Review standards.
? Coordinates with field investigators when conducting compensability, subrogation or subrosa investigations.
? Prepares claim status reports and presents to clients.
? Complies with excess insurance reporting requirements and seeks reimbursement where appropriate.
? Seeks reimbursement from co-defendants or subsequent injury funds.
? Identifies and reports all suspected fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities and/or state agencies.
? Complies with Medicare Set Aside obligations.
? Stays abreast of applicable laws, new trends, pending legislation and case law related to workers’ compensation.
? Manages outgoing payments in a timely manner.
? Effectively manages client and other communications and maintains claim notes and status reports timely and accurately.