Disney Sued After Allergic Reaction Death

In a heartbreaking incident, a Long Island doctor named Kanokporn «Amy» Tangsuan lost her life after a severe allergic reaction during a family trip to Disney World in Florida.

Tangsuan, allergic to dairy and nuts, dined at an Irish-themed restaurant called Raglan Road with her husband Jeff Piccolo and mother-in-law. Before ordering, she asked a waiter if her meal would be safe and was assured it could be made dairy- and nut-free.

Unfortunately, about 45 minutes after her meal, Tangsuan suffered an anaphylactic shock that was so severe that her EpiPen did not help. Despite rushing her to a nearby hospital, she passed away shortly after. Her husband, Piccolo, has since filed a lawsuit against Disney and the restaurant, seeking damages for their loss.

However, Disney is claiming that they should not be held responsible because they do not own or operate Raglan Road. They argue that Piccolo gave up his right to sue them by agreeing to their terms and conditions when he signed up for Disney+ and when he bought park tickets in 2023.

This legal strategy is raising eyebrows, as it could keep many disputes out of the public eye and limit accountability for large companies. David Horton, a law professor, noted that arbitration clauses have become common, allowing companies like Disney to limit their liability in lawsuits.

In this case, Disney’s arguments hinge on Piccolo’s earlier agreements with their services. Scholars point out that the legalities of those agreements may not extend to every situation related to Disney, especially since the tragedy occurred at a restaurant not directly owned by them.

A spokesperson for Disney expressed sympathy for the Tangsuan family’s loss but reiterated their position of defense against the lawsuit. Meanwhile, the Raglan Road restaurant has updated its website, warning customers that they cannot guarantee allergen-free meals.