Walt Disney World has been named in a wrongful death lawsuit that has recently captivated public attention. The case was filed by the estate of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan, following her tragic death after dining at Raglan Road, an Irish-themed restaurant in Disney Springs. Tangsuan reportedly suffered a severe allergic reaction and eventually succumbed to anaphylaxis despite administering epinephrine herself.
According to the lawsuit, Tangsuan took all necessary precautions, informing her waiter at Raglan Road of her severe nut and dairy allergies. Despite reassurances, she experienced a fatal reaction after consuming her meal. The estate, represented by her widower, Jeffrey Piccolo, accuses Disney and the parent company of Raglan Road of negligence.
Disney initially sought to avoid court proceedings by citing arbitration clauses buried in the terms of its Disney+ streaming service, which Piccolo had signed up for in 2019. This move prompted severe backlash as it implied signing up for the streaming service waived their right to legal action. A public outcry and a scathing response from the plaintiff’s attorney exposed the controversial nature of Disney’s argument.
Facing mounting pressure and the need for damage control, Disney has since retracted its motion to compel arbitration. Executive Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that Disney will now proceed with a jury trial, acknowledging the unique and sensitive nature of the case. While the legal outcome remains uncertain, Disney’s corporate image undoubtedly took a hit.
This case underscores the complexity of legal accountability within the expansive world of Walt Disney Resort properties. As guests journey through this magical kingdom, stories like Tangsuan’s serve as a poignant reminder of the real-world issues that sometimes intrude upon the enchanted experience.
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Source: defector.com