Ohio Casualty Cuts Claims Staff

Ohio Casualty Corp. has laid off 87 claims staffers, which the company says will save $1.8 million this year and $4 million annually thereafter.

The Fairfield, Ohio, insurer says the cuts will not affect claims service because of more disciplined underwriting. The 2003 savings includes a $1 million charge for severance pay and related expenses, Ohio Casualty said.

Claims technicians, claims specialists and claims representatives, who primarily handle general claims, are some of the affected positions. Close to one-fourth of the reduction involves positions in workers’ compensation claims. Ohio Casualty now employs 3,004 people.