US: A claims adjuster who represents the interests of an insured in a property loss. Public adjusters negotiate settlement of such claims with the insurer’s claim representative. Public adjusters are compensated with a percentage of the payable loss that they are able to secure for their clients (2 to 15 percent, depending upon the size and complexity of the claim). They are frequently retained in situations involving business interruption (BI) claims, which involve special expertise in the areas of accounting and insurance coverage analysis.
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An adjuster who represents the insured in settling a claim for loss covered by an insurance policy.
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An adjuster who works on a fee basis on behalf of an insured.
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An individual or member of a firm who contracts with private parties to aid with the preparation of loss statements and presentation to insurers. Contrast with Independent adjuster.

US: a court awarded amount that exceeds the economic losses and general damages of a defendant and is intended solely to punish the plaintiff
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An award for damages above and beyond the requirements for compensating third parties for injury or damage. As the word implies, the award is meant to punish the offender. Most states and territories do not permit punitive damages awards to be covered by liability insurance. When the award is against an insurer, it is usually related to the conduct of the insurer in the handling of a claim, and can arise in both first party and third party coverage situations.
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Damages levied to “punish” the defendant for acts of gross negligence or outrageous conduct, normally intentional, irrespective of the amount of actual or compensatory damages. Punitive damages are commonly levied on the basis of the amount of assets of the defendant. Also called “exemplary” damages.
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MEDICAL,USA: Reimbursement (award by a court) for damages because of gross negligence in handling a claim by an insurance company.