Source: https://www.kyprianou.com/en/news/publications/view?publication=2017/recovery-of-damages-in-tort.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 21:14:08+00:00

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A Tort is a civil wrong that causes someone to suffer loss or harm. The person that suffers loss or harm, as a result of the wrongful act, is entitled to some form of remedy. Usually, this remedy is in the form of damages; compensatory damages and punitive damages.
The underlying principle for recovery of damages in Tort is that found in the English case law as expressed by Lord Blackburn in Livingstone v. Rawyards Coal Co.  5 App. Cas., 25 at p. 29, that “damage should be the amount of money that should put the plaintiff in the position he would be if he did not suffer the wrong”.
When deciding the amount of the award of compensatory damages, the Courts take into consideration previous court judgments. These judgments are not binding upon the Courts, but are merely used for guidance (G&L Calibers Ltd v. Lemesianou (2003) 1 JSC 948). Nevertheless, case law is important so there can be consistency and certainty (Spyros Melis and Eleni Ltd et.al v. Marinos Savva Politi (2003) 1 JSC 590). Furthermore, the award must reflect the value money at a given time, so as to reasonably approach, at least monetarily, the reinstatement of the victim (Lankuttis v. Nikola (2002) 1 JSC 1128). Case law reveals an increase in the amount of damages awarded, but it was stated that damages must not exceed what is socially acceptable (Mavropetri v. Louka (1995) 1 JSC 66).
Civil wrongs resulting from the use of oppressive and unconstitutional conduct by servants of the Crown.
Where the statute expressly permits award of exemplary damages.
The Courts in Cyprus, when faced with the question of whether or not to award punitive damages, had referred to the principles set by the English case law. Pikis J in his judgment in the case of Papakokkinou above stated that “at common law, exemplary damages may be awarded. The determination of the policy of the courts of each jurisdiction on the subject of exemplary damages, is apt to vary, depending on social ethics and the need arising to proclaim the efficacy of the law outside the bounds of the criminal law. In Cyprus, there is no authoritative pronouncement of the applicability of the principles upheld in Rookes. However, dicta in Savvas Paraskevas v. Despina Mouzoura (1973) 1 C.L.R. 78, suggest that exemplary damages need not of necessity be confined within the limits earmarked in Rookes.” The judgment continues stating a principle found in Rookes, namely that conduct accompanied by an element of arrogance, insolence or malice, may justify an award of exemplary damages, particularly if it tends to humiliate the victim.
The Courts in Cyprus continued exploring the matter of punitive damages and have followed the guidelines set by the above landmark case of Papakokkinou as to when this type of damages may be awarded. It has been said by the Supreme Court in the case of Attorney General v. Palma et.al., Civil Appeal no. 44/2013, 19/11/2015 that exemplary or punitive damages aim to punish the defendant and prevent him from similar behaviors, and shall be awarded when the plaintiffs’ feelings have been harmed due to elements of extreme arrogance or oppressive conduct by the defendant for which he must be punished as an indication of the revulsion of such conduct by the law. Also, in the case of Xenofontos v. Rajab, Civil Appeal no. 169/2010, 26/11/2014 the Supreme Court had said that the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct as well as his financial situation are decisive factors when determining the amount of the award of punitive damages.
As we can draw conclusion from the above, each case will be examined on its own facts and merits. The Courts will determine whether a particular case allows for an award of damages. If so the Court will award compensatory damages and then, if it thinks fit, will proceed to examine whether exemplary or punitive damages should be awarded.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought on your specific circumstances. For further information, please contact Pariana Demetriou.

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