Who is considered the claimant in a liability claim?

In a liability claim, the claimant is the third party who is asserting a claim against someone else for damages or injuries they have suffered. This third party typically believes that the policyholder or insured party is responsible for the harm they have incurred, which is why they are making a claim against the insurance policy held by that individual or entity.

The role of the third party as the claimant is critical in liability claims, as they are the individuals seeking compensation for their losses. Understanding this role is essential for an adjuster, as they need to evaluate the merits of the claim made by the claimant, assess the validity of the damages claimed, and determine how the insurer's policy applies in this scenario.

The policyholder is not the claimant because they are the one being defended or covered by the insurance policy rather than the party making a claim for damages. The insurer, meanwhile, is the entity that provides coverage and handles the claim process but does not seek compensation; they are obligated to respond to the claim made by the third party. Lastly, the adjuster acts as a representative of the insurer, managing the claim on its behalf, and does not serve as a claimant in the process.