Harris Kyriakides examines key legal issues facing insurance companies

Harris Kyriakides’ Insurance Law Department successfully held the seminar 'Latest Developments in Insurance Law' on 26 June at Inset by MAP Hotel.

During the seminar, current issues of significant concern within the field of insurance law were presented and discussed, with a focus on topical matters and the modern challenges faced by professionals in the sector.

Speakers included Nicolas Kyriakides, Partner and Head of the Insurance Law Department, Christos Raounas and Stavri Kosiari, Associates of the Department as well as Despoina Theofanous and Ioanna Theodosopoulou, Trainee Associates. Additionally, Ioannis Theodosiou from E.N.MANOS (CYPRUS) LTD also participated.

In his opening remarks, Nicolas Kyriakides emphasised that the seminar serves as an important opportunity for the exchange of ideas and for keeping up to date with the latest developments in insurance law and related areas. He also highlighted the firm’s commitment to continuous learning and information sharing, aiming to deliver high quality and effective legal services while fostering communication and collaboration with its partners.

In their presentation, Christos Raounas and Despoina Theofanous addressed recent developments in professional negligence cases, focusing on how the tort has been shaped through a number of recent court decisions. The judicial reasoning in such cases was analysed, with particular emphasis on the key factors courts examine and assess.

Following that, Stavri Kosiari and Ioanna Theodosopoulou presented on the right of insurance companies to initiate recovery actions and the use of promissory notes of standard form. Their presentation included a comparative analysis of relevant cases and commentary on the criteria set by case law regarding the ability to recover funds. They also addressed the confusion surrounding this issue and proposed the promissory note of standard form as a potential solution, offering a detailed explanation of its nature and characteristics.

Next, Nicolas Kyriakides focused on the possibility of appointing a single joint expert under the New Civil Procedure Rules. He analysed the rationale behind this provision, the circumstances under which the appointment of a joint expert is appropriate and should be considered the norm, the court’s role in managing the matter, and the approach taken by English courts.

Finally, Ioannis Theodosiou from E.N.MANOS (CYPRUS) LTD presented on the role and responsibilities of an expert witness, highlighting the key parameters considered during the assessment of a case. He described the methodology followed to reach substantiated conclusions and offered insights based on his practical experience.