MDLinxUpdate: Disney Lawsuit Over Doctor’s Fatal Allergic Reaction

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A recent lawsuit against Disney World highlights the critical importance of food allergy management in public dining establishments. The case involves the tragic death of a New York physician from anaphylactic shock after eating at a Disney World restaurant in October 2023. Initially, Disney attempted to limit the lawsuit to arbitration based on a subscriber agreement clause, but they have since agreed to allow the case to proceed in court. This incident further reinforces the need for vigilance in food allergy protocols and raises questions about liability in such cases.

Key Points:

• Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan died from anaphylactic shock after dining at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs, despite assurances that her meal would be allergen-free.
• Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, is suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Raglan Road for negligence, seeking more than $50,000 in damages.
• Disney initially tried to limit the case to arbitration based on a Disney+ subscriber agreement clause but later reversed this stance due to “unique circumstances.”
• The lawsuit alleges failures in employee training, proper allergen warnings, and food preparation as requested.
• Food allergies affect 33 million Americans, with 150 deaths annually from food-related allergic reactions in the US.
• The case highlights potential challenges physicians face in recognizing their own health needs, including burnout and stress-related issues.
• Disney’s food allergy policy states they make efforts to accommodate dietary requests but cannot guarantee meeting all requests.

“At Disney, we strive to put humanity above all other considerations. With such unique circumstances as the ones in this case, we believe this situation warrants a sensitive approach to expedite a resolution for the family who have experienced such a painful loss.”
– Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences

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