Here at Torgenson Law, we believe it is important for you to know, that outside of our understanding of Arizona law and our desire to serve personal injury victims, we are average Arizona residents who enjoy the same social activities as our fellow citizens. Even with college and professional football seasons approaching, there is perhaps no hotter topic circulating within the Torgenson Law office than HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. While raving about the seventh season of the television series, we could not help but notice the various personal injury issues that arise during each episode (the law runs through our veins like Stark Blood runs through Jon’s Snow’s). One of our duties at Torgenson Law is to inform Arizona citizens about the parameters of personal injury law. There is perhaps no better way to keep Arizona residents informed than to address the various legal issues of Game of Thrones under Arizona personal injury law. Plus, it is just fun to do so…
WARNING!!!: Major SPOILERS for HBO’s Game of Thrones Season 7.
For those of you that watched Sunday’s Episode (Season 7 Episode 6), you were probably left in shock as the credits rolled. However, undoubtedly, no one suffered more loss than Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, First of Her Name, Rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, and Mother of Dragons. Unsure of her legal remedies, Daenerys sent us a raven demanding that we “bend the knee” while also requesting legal consultation for her significant personal injuries. In response, we provided the Queen with the following information:
1. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching moment of last night’s episode was when the Night King hurled his ice spear at one of Daenerys’ dragons, killing it right before her eyes. It was clear the moment Viserion sunk beneath the icy lake Beyond the Wall that Daenerys was truly devastated at the loss of one of her “children.” Many are unaware that personal injury claims can arise from emotional harm as well as physical. Like Westerosi law, Arizona law provides that an individual that suffers severe emotional trauma due to the intentional actions of another may have a valid personal injury claim of “Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.” Here, Daenerys may assert such a claim against the Night King. Does the Night King have insurance? Does he care? We doubt it, as he has many other things on his frozen mind (like killing everyone we hold dear).
2. Conversion
To add insult to injury, the Night King not only killed Viserion, but he also converted the dragon into a wight (ice zombie) and took the dragon from its rightful owner. At first glance, this may seem like criminal theft. However, individuals who are intentionally deprived of their property may have a civil claim for “Conversion.” Although Viserion will never be the same, Daenerys could recover the monetary value of the now zombified dragon as compensation. A “dragon value” expert would most likely be used. Maybe we could find one at the Citadel?
3. Negligence
Negligence claims are the cornerstone of personal injury law. In Arizona, a negligence claim requires a duty of care, a breach of that duty, and that breach must cause damages. If one thing was clear from last night’s episode, Jon Snow knows nothing about negligence. Jon Snow is the King in the North, a seasoned warrior, and a former Man of the Night’s Watch who is well aware of the dangers that the White Walkers posed to Daenerys and her dragons. Jon Snow owed Daenerys a duty to help her and the dragons to avoid harm. However, Jon breached that duty when he foolishly tried to be a hero by attacking more enemies rather than join Daenerys and the others atop her dragon to ensure a quick and harmless escape. Ultimately, Jon’s negligence led to the death of Viserion. Accordingly, Daenerys may have a negligence claim against Mr. Snow. Although her bringing a claim a negligence claim against Jon Snow would be cold as ice (see what we did there), she may have a decent shot at recovery.
4. Uninsured & Underinsured Dragon Insurance Coverage
Considering that the Night King is now a new owner of a dragon, it is possible that he may not have adequate insurance to cover future dragon-on-dragon collisions for which he is at fault. Thus, we recommended to Daenerys that she purchase Uninsured and/or Underinsured Dragon Insurance to guarantee that she is properly compensated in the event of a dragon accident. Similarly, Arizona citizens should purchase Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage to will not be left without a monetary remedy following a car crash where the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance coverage. This means that Daenerys would turn to her own insurance company to compensate her for the full loss of her dragon if the Night King was not responsible enough to properly insure his new “ice dragon.”
If you or someone you know is injured, hiring the right personal injury attorney will make all the difference. At Torgenson Law, we have handled a wide variety of personal injury cases and would love to fight for you. You can call us at (602) 726-0747 or email us at HYPERLINK “mailto:everyone@torgensonlaw.com.” everyone@torgensonlaw.com. We are here to have your back. In the words of Oberyn Martell – “We will be your Champion.”
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.