Paula Eatman: Adjuster at the City of Daytona Beach

Paula Eatman is a dedicated workers’ compensation specialist with over three decades of experience in the claims industry. For the past 25 years, she has served as the sole Workers’ Compensation Adjuster for the City of Daytona Beach, managing a fully self-insured, self-administered program from start to finish. Whether she’s handling EDI reporting, reviewing medical documentation, or coordinating benefits, Paula brings heart, experience, and unwavering integrity to every claim she touches.

“I’ve been in claims for 34 years,” she shares. “But for most of that time, it’s just been me handling every aspect of workers’ compensation for the city. Every day is different. You never know what’s going to land on your desk.”

Paula’s journey into the industry wasn’t something she saw coming. “If you asked me in high school what I wanted to be, I would’ve told you an executive secretary,” she says with a laugh. But over the years, she found a passion for the intricacies of claims work and a deep sense of purpose in helping people during some of their hardest moments.

In her role, Paula emphasizes the importance of ethics, critical thinking, and decision-making. “The decisions we make directly impact people’s lives,” she explains. “Whether it’s determining compensability or settling a claim, you have to be honest, fair, and creative. But always do what’s right.” While the job keeps her busy, Paula is quick to recognize the people who support her behind the scenes. “I love the team I work with. From our Risk Manager to our triage nurse and office specialist, everyone plays a part in making sure things run smoothly.”

Over the years, Paula has witnessed significant changes in the field, especially in how technology has transformed claims management. “When I started, we relied on paper files and fax machines,” she recalls. “Now, everything is electronic and instant.” One of the biggest challenges she sees on the horizon is attracting new talent. “Recruiting the next generation of adjusters is so important. We need to make sure we’re passing the torch.”

Outside of work, Paula is passionate about travel and adventure. In 2018, she took her first solo trip to Niagara Falls, and it sparked a personal mission: to visit every state in the U.S. “Some will take more than one trip,” she says. “But I’m going to do it.”

Family is Paula’s greatest pride. Her two daughters are both registered nurses and became homeowners before turning 25. Now they’re mothers themselves, and Paula’s favorite role yet is being a grandmother. “Watching them be moms and seeing my granddaughters grow up, that’s what makes me smile most.” A lifelong learner and mentor, Paula finds joy in sharing what she’s learned. “Whether it’s at work or in life, I love helping people by passing along knowledge.”

When asked about the best career advice she’s received, she doesn’t hesitate. “Put your family first. It’s easy to let work take over, but being present at home matters more than anything.” That perspective shapes how she balances her time. “Work gets most of my day, but when I leave, I leave it at the door. My home life deserves that same attention.” Whether she’s riding her bike, dancing, fishing, or simply relaxing in her favorite pajamas, Paula lives by the values that have guided her for over 30 years: honesty, hard work, patience, and compassion.

With her deep experience, people-first mindset, and steady presence, Paula Eatman continues to make a quiet but lasting impact on the world of workers’ compensation and on every life her work touches.