As Arizona personal injury lawyers, we believe that one of our duties is to inform Arizona citizens about the parameters of personal injury law so that they can take part in their own survival. During this quest, we realized that the popular HBO show Game of Thrones is actually a show about Arizona personal injury law.
1. Break the Ice: Product Liability Law
For thousands of years, White Walkers have purchased their swords from the finest blacksmiths North of the Wall. The manufacturers marketed these icy blades as “indestructible weapons” that make its wielders “invincible.” To the White Walkers’ dismay, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow, shattered one of these blades with his own sword. Ultimately, Jon killed the defenseless White Walker who was frozen in disbelief. The product defect was a direct cause of the Walker’s death. Arizona law dictates that a manufacturer or distributor of a product may have strict liability against it for the damages caused by such product defects. Considering this incident, the blacksmiths are likely to freeze all ongoing production.
2. How to Train Your Dragon: Arizona Dog Bite Law
If an animal with vicious or fiery propensities has attacked you, you may have a valid claim against its owner. Daenerys of House Targaryen, First of Her Name, Rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, and Mother of Dragons, could face a number of personal injury lawsuits after the events in Mereen’s Fighting Pit. During the Great Games, Daenerys’ largest dragon, Drogon, swooped into the arena and began roasting and devouring competitors and audience members alike. This is not the first time this dragon has attacked a human being. Sadly, just last year, Drogon attacked and killed a goat herder’s daughter. While Daenerys confined her other two fire-breathing beasts, Drogon remained at large until he decided to turn Mereen’s version of the Roman Coliseum into his own personal barbeque pit. In Arizona, if you have been bitten by a dog (or a dragon), you may have a personal injury claim against the dog’s (or dragon’s) owner.
3. Who is Liable? The Employer or “No One?”
Respondeat superior, which is Latin for “let the master answer,” is a legal term of art meaning that an employer is generally liable for injuries caused by its employees while the employee is on the job. For example, the most despised Kingsguard knight, Meryn Trant, recently found himself on the “pointy end” of Arya Stark’s dagger. While Trant more than deserved this fate, he still has a valid wrongful death claim arising from Arya’s actions. Trant’s statutory beneficiaries will likely seek wrongful death damages from Arya’s employer because Arya’s actions occurred while she was on the job. Arya works for the assassin corporation known as the Faceless Men. Therefore, the company could be liable for Meryn Trant’s wrongful death damages because Arya’s actions occurred while she was on the job.
4. Jon Snow Knows Nothing About Worker’s Compensation Law
Worker’s compensation entitles an employee to receive certain benefits when he or she suffers a personal injury arising in the course of employment. These benefits may include wage-loss benefits, medical rehabilitation benefits, and in the case of death, benefits to the deceased’s family. The Night’s Watch is well versed in matters of worker’s compensation. In their attempts to shield the realms of men South of the Wall from the White Walkers, many brothers of the Night’s Watch are injured or killed. Most recently, the Respectable and Loyal Jon Snow died while fulfilling his duties as a watcher on the Wall. Jon’s family would be able to recover under worker’s compensation. Unfortunately, Jon has taken no wife and has fathered no children. His own father was previously executed for treason. His mother could claim Jon’s workers compensation benefits, but, of course, the not-so-knowledgeable Jon Snow never knew her name.
It is paramount that you call an Arizona personal injury attorney if you were injured on the job. An employee has one year from the date of the injury to make a claim for worker’s compensation benefits. Unfortunately for Jon Snow, he forgot that the night is dark and full of terrors. Only a miracle would permit him to receive his worker’s compensation benefits. For now, his watch has ended.
Who knew that this show was based on Arizona personal injury law? 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. 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.
