Τα συχνότερα ατυχήματα συμβαίνουν στον κατασκευαστικό τομέα λόγω επικίνδυνων πρακτικών που εφαρμόζονται και αφορούν κυρίως πτώση από σκαλωσιές / σκάλες, και τραυματισμούς από μηχανήματα και ανυψωτικά.

Το καθήκον του εργοδότη για παροχή ασφαλούς τόπου ή συστήματος εργασίας στους υπαλλήλους του είναι απόλυτο, και εξασφαλίζεται ακόμη και από το ίδιο το Σύνταγμα. Κάθε εργοδότης οφείλει να παρέχει ένα ασφαλές σύστημα διεξαγωγής της εργασίας και να διατηρεί το χώρο χωρίς κινδύνους, εφαρμόζοντας τα μέτρα που προβλέπονται στους νόμους και κανονισμούς.

Στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις τα εργατικά ατυχήματα προκαλούνται κυρίως επειδή ο εργοδότης δεν επιδεικνύει προς τον εργοδοτούμενο την εύλογη φροντίδα και ενδιαφέρον για προμήθεια ασφαλούς εξοπλισμού και συστήματος εργασίας.

Κάθε εργοδότης οφείλει να παρέχει οδηγίες, εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση στους εργοδοτούμενους πριν την διεξαγωγή των εργασιών, και να επιβλέπει κατά την εκτέλεση των εργασιών την ορθή εφαρμογή των μέτρων ασφάλειας.

Τέλος, ο εργοδότης, εργολάβος και υπεργολάβος οφείλουν να έχουν γραπτή εκτίμηση κινδύνων σε σχέση με την εργασία που διεξάγεται, έτσι ώστε να λαμβάνονται προληπτικά και προστατευτικά μέτρα.

Ποιά Λογίζονται ως Εργατικά Ατυχήματα

Για να θεωρηθεί κάποιο ως εργατικό ατύχημα θα πρέπει να υπάρχει σύμβαση εργασίας του εργοδοτούμενο με τον εργολάβο ή υπεργολάβο του έργου, και να καταβάλλεται για αυτόν εισφορά στις κοινωνικές ασφαλίσεις.

Επίσης, και κυριότερα, πρέπει να υπάρχει σύνδεση μεταξύ της αμέλειας του εργοδότη και του ατυχήματος. Να διαπιστωθεί δηλαδή κατά πόσο ήταν η αμέλεια του εργοδότη που οδήγησε στο ατύχημα. Πρέπει όμως να λαμβάνεται υπόψη και ο βαθμός φροντίδας και προσοχής που θα έπρεπε να επιδείξει ο εργοδοτούμενος, σύμφωνα με την πείρα του ως και την κοινή λογική.

Τέλος, θα πρέπει ο τραυματισμένος εργοδοτούμενος να μην μπορεί να εκτελέσει την εργασία του για περίοδο μεγαλύτερη των 3 ημερών.

Άμεσες Ενέργειες Μετά το Ατύχημα

Μόλις συμβεί το ατύχημα, θα πρέπει να ακολουθηθεί αμέσως η ενδεδειγμένη διαδικασία γνωστοποιόντας το στο αρμόδιο Επαρχιακό Γραφείο Επιθεώρησης Εργασίας του τόπου όπου συνέβηκε. Υπεύθυνος για την γνωστοποίηση είναι ο εργοδότης, αλλά εάν για οποιοδήποτε λόγο αρνείται τότε μπορεί να το πράξει οποιοσδήποτε άλλος.

Η γνωστοποίηση μπορεί να γίνει ακόμη και τηλεφωνικά, αλλά καλό είναι να γίνεται με τρόπο που μπορεί να αποδειχτεί εάν αμφισβητηθεί αργότερα.

Εντός 15 ημερών από την ημερομηνία του ατυχήματος θα πρέπει να γνωστοποιείται και γραπτώς στο αρμόδιο Γραφείο Επιθεώρησης Εργασίας.

Η σπουδαιότητα της γνωστοποίησης του ατυχήματος ευθύς μόλις αυτό συμβεί βρίσκεται στο ότι θα καταγραφούν από το αρμόδιο τμήμα οι περιστάσεις του ατυχήματος, και θα εξαχθούν συμπεράσματα και απόψεις από ειδικούς με αποτέλεσμα ο εργοδοτούμενος να είναι σε θέση, έχοντας στην κατοχή του έγκυρη μαρτυρία, να αποδείξει πλήρως την υπόθεση του εάν και εφόσον αυτή καταλήξει στο Δικαστήριο για σκοπούς αποζημιώσεων.

Δικαίωμα σε Αποζημιώσεις

Ένα πρόσωπο που τραυματίζεται σε εργατικό ατύχημα, και για το οποίο φέρει ευθύνη ο εργοδότης του, εργολάβος ή υπεργολάβος του έργου, δικαιούται να πληρωθεί για την σωματική βλάβη, τον πόνο και ταλαιπωρία του, αλλά και για μελλοντικές απώλειες που θα υποστεί λόγω του τραυματισμού του.

Ο εργοδοτούμενος δικαιούται να αποζημιωθεί για τα πιο κάτω:

• Πόνο και ταλαιπωρία, απώλεια ανέσεων και απολαύσεις ζωής
• Ιατρικά και φαρμακευτικά έξοδα, και έξοδα νοσηλείας
• Απώλεια απολαβών και εισοδημάτων από την ημέρα του ατυχήματος
• Μείωση εισοδηματικής ικανότητας ένεκα του ατυχήματος

Το ύψος των αποζημιώσεων εξαρτάται κυρίως από:

• Την σοβαρότητα και έκταση των τραυματισμών
• Τον χρόνο ανάρρωσης και αποθεραπείας
• Κατά πόσο θα παραμείνει κάποια μόνιμη ανικανότητα, ως και το ποσοστό αυτής
• Την ηλικία του εργοδοτούμενου
• Τις απολαβές του κατά τον χρόνο του ατυχήματος

Η Διαδικασία για Διεκδίκηση Αποζημιώσεων

Για να αποζημιωθεί κάποιος για τον τραυματισμό του θα πρέπει να απευθυνθεί είτε ο ίδιος είτε οι δικηγόροι του στον εργοδότη του ή την ασφαλιστική εταιρεία του εργοδότη που παρέχει Ασφάλεια Ευθύνης Εργοδότη, και να παραθέσει λεπτομερώς την απαίτηση του προσκομίζοντας όλα τα απαραίτητα πιστοποιητικά και έγγραφα. Εάν γίνει αποδεκτό ότι ευθύνη για το ατύχημα φέρουν οι πιο πάνω τότε θα συζητηθεί το ποσό που είναι διατεθειμένοι να καταβάλουν.

Σε περίπτωση που το ποσό που προσφέρεται δεν είναι ικανοποιητικό, ή σε περίπτωση που ο εργοδότης δεν αποδέχεται ότι έχει οποιαδήποτε ευθύνη για το ατύχημα, τότε ο εργοδοτούμενος καταχωρεί αγωγή στο Δικαστήριο και όταν εκδικαστεί θα αποφασιστεί ως προς το ποιος ευθύνεται για το ατύχημα αλλά και για το ύψος των αποζημιώσεων που δικαιούται ο εργοδοτούμενος.

Η Γ. ΑΡΓΥΡΙΔΗΣ & ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΤΕΣ ΔΕΠΕ εκπροσωπεί και χειρίζεται με πλήρη επιτυχία απαιτήσεις εργοδοτούμενων που τραυματίζονται συνεπεία εργατικών ατυχημάτων. Επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας στο info@argyrides-law.com ή στο 24655360 για μια πρώτη εκτίμηση του ατυχήματος σας και για να λάβετε συμβουλή.

Y. Argyrides & Associates LLC – Law Firm

The post ΕΡΓΑΤΙΚΑ ΑΤΥΧΗΜΑΤΑ & ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑ ΣΕ ΑΠΟΖΗΜΙΩΣΕΙΣ appeared first on Y. Argyrides & Associates Law Firm.

We are excited to announce the listing of Y. Argyrides & Associates LLC on A Place in the Sun website, which we hope will be more than just a window to our law firm.

Y. Argyrides & Associates LLC has assisted thousands of clients throughout the years, especially UK nationals, who wished to establish themselves in Cyprus.

Our mission is to provide in-depth, high-quality, affordable legal advice and representation, efficiently and promptly whilst being accessible and approachable to clients.

You can find us on the website of A Place in the Sun by clicking here.

Please get in touch with us and see how we can assist you in safeguarding your legal interests when purchasing your dream home in Cyprus.

Y. Argyrides & Associates LLC – Law Firm

The post A PLACE IN THE SUN appeared first on Y. Argyrides & Associates Law Firm.

We hope that you like it as much as we do. Furthermore, we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to everyone involved with the production of this video.

We would love to hear your feedback, so please do watch and get in contact with us.

The post CORPORATE VIDEO appeared first on Y. Argyrides & Associates Law Firm.

The publication features an interview by our firm’s Managing Partner Mr. Yiannis Argyrides. Mr. Argyrides commented on the latest developments regarding the cancellation of the Cyprus Investment Program, the challenges that the legal profession is currently facing, and he also outlined our mission and vision for the near future.

We would like to thank Forbes Magazine for giving us the opportunity to present our Firm.

The full article can be read here.

The post Y. ARGYRIDES & ASSOCIATES LLC FEATURED IN FORBES appeared first on Y. Argyrides & Associates Law Firm.

Independent Legal Advice

It is nevertheless important when dealing with any such transaction to obtain independent legal advice for safeguarding you from any pitfalls which may jeopardise your investment.

We always receive the question – do I need to be represented by a lawyer when it comes to purchasing or selling property in Cyprus?

Our opinion is that retaining the services of a law firm affords you the added security which otherwise you would not have if you were to perform the transaction yourself or even worse, if you were to make use of the same lawyer as that of your counterpart.

In many instances estate agents suggest that legal representation in conveyancing cases is not necessary. There are also those estate agents who unfortunately undertake to prepare the sales agreement themselves(!) Notwithstanding that this is illegal, it is obvious that the estate agent who has a vested interest in completing the transaction will not bring to your attention any dangers, and most certainly will not make provisions which will afford you any protection in case of breach by the vendor.

Lawyers in Cyprus owe a duty of care to their clients, the level of which should be that of a ‘usual, diligent and competent professional’ (Beaumont Muriel and other ν. NK (2010) 1 CLR. 525). Being under this duty, your lawyer will be obliged to perform all necessary due diligence procedures in order to identify inherent dangers and bring them to your attention. Failure to do so could lead to a negligence claim by which ultimately you may be compensated for the damages you have sustained from such behaviour.

Various Types of Conveyancing Transactions

It is necessary to differentiate between the various types of properties, as each one has important elements which need to be considered before finalising the transaction. Broadly speaking these are:

1. Purchase of plot(s) of land
2. Purchase of off plan properties being constructed by the vendor
3. Purchase of already constructed are ready to move in properties

General Observations

Prior to engaging and finalising a transaction with any vendor, the following matters need to be taken into consideration:

• The financial standing and viability of the Vendors (especially when buying off plan properties), and the risks arising from the possibility of their financial insolvency.
• If the Vendor is or was under liquidation / bankruptcy or if any liquidation / bankruptcy notices or proceedings have been filed against such Vendor.
• The Vendor’s prior conduct. Have any Court proceedings been instigated against the Vendor, and what were those cases about?
• The Vendor’s general reputation in their respective field.

Issues to consider prior to concluding a transaction

In our practice we have completed throughout the years numerous property transactions. The following is a list of matters which need to be investigated prior to concluding a conveyancing transaction, especially if purchasing a property. The list is not meant to be exhaustive and is merely an indication of some of the main issues vital to a transaction:

• Title deeds – every property bought has to be specifically described on the title deed, and its surface area to be clearly indicated. This signifies that the property has been erected legally and according to the permits and licenses. We advise against purchasing properties for which no separate title deeds have been issued, unless a certificate of final approval exists or the competent authorities confirm in writing that there are no obstacles to the issuing of the title deeds. Many times we come across properties which have been erected illegally and/or without obtaining any licenses prior to commencing construction. It is not farfetched to say that in many instances properties have been illegally erected over beach protection zones or are extended into neighbouring plots. With title deeds such dangers simply do not exist.

• Quality of structure – consideration has to be given to the quality of the property and to the existence of any latent damages. For this reason, it is recommended and your lawyer should advice you to retain the services of an architect and/or civil engineer who will carry out the necessary surveys so as to evaluate and establish the safety, soundness and quality of the structure.

• Unauthorised additions or alterations – one has to establish that the property and its size correspond to the descriptions on the title deed. If there are any alterations which are not contained in the title deed, it could mean that unauthorised work has been carried out on the property. Therefore, and since it is illegal to be in possession of such property, it is always important to establish whether any additions or alterations had been licensed by the competent authorities.

• Third country nationals – any person not being a Cypriot citizen or a citizen of an EU Member State has to obtain permission from the Council of Ministers prior to registering immovable property in their name. If no separate title deeds have been issued it is essential to include along with the application to be submitted to the Council of Ministers the building license and approved architects’ plans. Hence the importance of establishing at the outset that the necessary permits and licenses have been obtained prior to commencing construction.

• Land Charges – it is extremely important to investigate whether there are any mortgages, memos or other encumbrances registered over the property to be bought. The encumbrance created by the filing of the contract of sale follows the order of priority it receives by filing it. Therefore, if other charges pre-exist of the filing of the agreement, it will not be possible to transfer ownership to the purchaser unless all other previous charges are eliminated.

• Communal Management Fees – the vendor should produce a declaration, issued by the management committee of a jointly owned building, evidencing the settlement of communal fees owed to date. Otherwise, the new owner is as much as liable for owed communal fees as the previous owner.

Terms of the Sales Agreement

Another important aspect of the conveyancing transaction is the sales agreement. When formulating the terms, all possible scenarios have to be taken into consideration. From experience, we are of the opinion that the below elements are of utmost importance and should be carefully addressed in a sales agreement:

• Deposit – under Cypriot law and caselaw, deposits paid under agreements are refundable unless damages can be proved. The intention of the parties as to the deposit in case of breach or rescission by a party has to be clearly stated in the agreement. Also, provision could be made that the legal fees, estate agents’ fees and moving out costs will be covered by the deposit in case that the purchaser is responsible for breach of the agreement.

• Time – time for performance has to be agreed upon. It should be clearly stated as to when the vendor is obliged to give possession and to transfer ownership of the property, until when the vendor is under an obligation to issue separate title deeds, or more importantly until when the vendor is expected to complete the property. Otherwise, and if time is not stated and made of the essence, no specific performance may be ordered by the Court and/or the innocent party may not be able to terminate the agreement.

• Technical terms – when the property is bought off plan, it is vital to agree on all the technical terms of the construction as well as the basic cost for every material used or fixture installed. This will ultimately be of use if during the construction process the purchaser wishes to substitute something. By agreeing to basic costs, it will thereby be easier to calculate the difference of costs for extra work performed or different materials used.

• Third country nationals – provisions should be made as to what will happen in the event where a 3^rd country national is not granted permission by the Council of Ministers. It could be stipulated that the purchaser may be able to assign his/her rights over the property to another party provided the full purchase price is paid. Otherwise, the agreement will be frustrated and any money paid under the agreement should be refunded to the purchaser, unless the vendor may prove that damages have been sustained.

Conveyancing encompasses many elements which if not taken seriously into consideration at the initial stages of the negotiation, can and will have serious financial consequences to the innocent party. It is therefore without hesitation that our advice is to retain the services of a law firm when considering to sell or more importantly buy immovable property in Cyprus. At the end of the day the cost incurred is disproportionately smaller to the benefits obtained and to the money potentially saved.

Our expertise

Y. Argyrides & Associates LLC can offer you comprehensive services comprising legal and administrative assistance in activities related to immovable property. The aim of our company is to assist clients to have a clear view of the land registry system and the Law in Cyprus. The professional qualifications and expertise of our can assist you with the various stages of the procedure. For requesting assistance and support please feel free to contact us at: info@argyrides.com

Yiannis Argyrides │ Managing Director

Email: yiannis@argyrides-law.com

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Any interested party should seek professional advice from their legal experts.

The post SELLING AND BUYING IMMOVABLE PROPERTY IN CYPRUS: THE NEED FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION appeared first on Y. Argyrides & Associates Law Firm.

The Republic of Cyprus and Russia had entered into a Double Tax Treaty (DTT) in 1998 in a joint effort to avoid the double taxing of income and capital generated in Cyprus. This was an effort to promote the economic cooperation between the two countries. Since its introduction, the DTT has been the catalyst for Russian investment in Cyprus, being an attractive jurisdiction with regards to its tax benefits.

On the 25^th of March 2020, President Putin had introduced numerous measures in an attempt to tackle the fiscal challenges which were brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Among the measures, he had announced the Russian Federation’s intentions to amend the Double Tax Treaties that are in place with various countries. Cyprus was the first country to receive an official notification on the 1^st of April, 2020.

Russia’s intentions

In his address, the Russian President instructed the government to initiate negotiations with foreign jurisdictions to amend Russia’s current DTTs and set the minimum withholding tax rate on dividends and interest payed from Russia at 15%. According to the Russian embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus had been selected as the first country for objective reasons, since 34% of the cumulative direct foreign investment in the Russian economy comes from Cyprus.

The proposed amendment to the DTT was the increase of withholding tax rates on dividend and interest payments from the current rates of 5% or 10%, to 15% capital of the Russian Company.

A new deal between Cyprus and Russia

Cyprus through its Finance Minister Mr. Constantinos Petrides has managed to secure the continuation of the DTT by signing on 10^th of August 2020 an amendment to the Cyprus-Russia double-tax treaty.

The Cypriot side ensured, the exemption from a 15 per cent withholding tax on dividends for regulated entities, such as pension funds and insurance companies, as well as listed companies. In addition, interest payments from corporate and government bonds as well as Eurobonds are excluded from the 15 per cent withholding tax in the new Cyprus Russia Double Tax Treaty. Any other type of Cyprus-based entities will still be able to avoid double taxation, but at a higher rate of 15 per cent.

In advance, the Russian side had assured the withdrawal of the termination procedures of the Convention. Furthermore, it assured that the same regulations will apply to other countries that maintain similar agreements from the same date that will apply to Cyprus, since it is a single fiscal policy. The signing will probably coincide with the arrival on the island of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in September or October 2020.

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