The firm acts for claimants and defendants across the full range of tortious claims under Cypriot law, including negligence, nuisance, trespass, defamation, breach of statutory duty, claims for interference with business/economic interests, occupiers' liability, employers' liability, product liability and motor claims.
The firm represents some of the most significant insurance undertakings in Cyprus, handling issues pertaining to insurance law.
The Torts and Insurance team comprises around 5 lawyers. It is headed by two of the firm’s Partners, namely Mrs. Thalia Kaoutzani and Mr. Christoforos Iosif.
A particular area of strength, and one where the firm has made a direct contribution to the development of Cypriot law, is the tortious liability of public authorities. The team has acted in cases concerning the duty of care owed by local authorities and government bodies in relation to their enforcement and regulatory functions. In this context, in a recent judgment, the Court accepted the firm's argument that no duty of care arose from a public authority's discretionary exercise of its powers, a finding that contributed to the development of an area of law where binding Cypriot precedent remains limited.
The firm’s defamation practice (which is headed by Mr. Christoforos Iosif) deals with claims arising from traditional media, online publications, social media, and statements made in professional, commercial and political contexts. The team advises on every stage of a defamation dispute, from pre-action assessment of whether a statement is actionable, through interim injunctions to restrain or permit publication, to trial and the assessment of damages. It also advises defendants on the full range of available defences, including justification, fair comment on matters of public interest, qualified and absolute privilege, and the “responsible publication” defence.
Defamation cases in Cyprus increasingly raise questions at the intersection of, on the one hand, “reputation” and, on the other hand, “freedom of expression” under Article 19 of the Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In such cases, the firm draws upon the knowledge and expertise of its constitutional and administrative law team.
As regards defamation cases, the firm has, in the past, represented senior public officials. Currently, it is representing traditional, as well as digital and emerging media, in defamation cases brought against them.