Disney initially argued that a man could not file a wrongful death lawsuit due to terms he agreed to when signing up for a free trial of Disney+ in 2019. However, after backlash, Disney has reversed its stance and allowed the lawsuit to proceed in court. The lawsuit was filed by the man, Jeffrey Piccolo, after his wife died from an allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs. Disney has waived its right to arbitration in the case and stated that they prioritize putting humanity above all other considerations.
The court documents revealed that Kanokporn Tangsuan, 42, died approximately an hour after dining at the restaurant during a visit to Disney Springs. Piccolo’s attorneys claimed that Tangsuan had a severe dairy and nut allergy, and they chose to dine at Raglan Road due to the staff’s training in accommodating allergies. Despite their efforts to ensure the meal was prepared without allergens, Tangsuan suffered a severe allergic reaction and later died at the hospital. The medical examiner determined that her cause of death was anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nuts in her system.
Piccolo filed the wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages and a jury trial, but Disney initially argued that the case should be resolved through arbitration based on the terms agreed upon when signing up for Disney+. Piccolo’s attorneys criticized this argument as “preposterous” and raised concerns about the impact of the arbitration agreement on other Disney+ subscribers who might face similar situations. The lawsuit garnered national attention and backlash, with some calling for a boycott of Disney+ and expressing concerns over what they had agreed to when signing up for the streaming service.
Disney has not yet indicated whether they will review the Disney+ terms or consider dropping the arbitration clause. Piccolo’s trial attorney emphasized the importance of preserving the right to a jury trial and stated that Piccolo will continue to seek justice for his wife through the trial process. Additionally, he hopes that the awareness raised by this case will lead to positive changes in corporate food preparation policies and procedures to better accommodate individuals with food allergies.
Overall, the case involving Kanokporn Tangsuan’s death at Disney Springs has sparked a debate about corporate responsibility and the rights of consumers in seeking justice through the legal system. While Disney initially argued for arbitration, they have now allowed the lawsuit to proceed in court after facing backlash. Piccolo’s attorney emphasized the importance of protecting the right to a jury trial and seeking justice on behalf of individuals who suffer from food allergies. This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of insufficient food allergy accommodations and the importance of accountability in corporate policies and procedures.
