Doctor with Severe Allergy Dies After Disney World Restaurant Allegedly 'Guaranteed' Food Was Allergen-Free: Lawsuit
A doctor from New York University tragically passed away shortly after dining at one of Disney's establishments in Florida, and her grieving husband is placing blame on negligent staff, according to a lawsuit.
Kanokporn Tangsuan, a respected doctor at NYU Langone hospital in Manhattan, suddenly passed away after dining at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs on October 5th.
Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, has initiated a legal action in Orange County, Florida, accusing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence. He highlights that Tangsuan had explicitly informed the waitstaff of her nut and dairy allergies.
Despite Tangsuan's repeated inquiries, the pub's staff assured her they could prepare allergen-free dishes, the lawsuit asserts.
Tangsuan had ordered broccoli and corn fritters, scallops, and onion rings. Following dinner, as she ventured into the shopping complex, she began feeling unwell.
Upon entering Planet Hollywood, her condition rapidly deteriorated, culminating in severe difficulty breathing and collapse.
Despite immediate administration of an epi-pen, she tragically passed away at a local hospital, the lawsuit disclosed. The medical examiner's investigation concluded that her demise resulted from anaphylaxis triggered by "elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system."
The lawsuit contends that Disney extensively promotes its commitment to addressing food allergies at its parks and resorts. However, it alleges that the company failed to adequately educate, train, or instruct its employees to ensure that allergen-free food was indeed free of allergens, as requested.
It further asserts that Disney exercises control over the menu offerings, the training of wait staff, and the policies regarding food allergies at its Disney Springs restaurants.
Piccolo is pursuing damages exceeding $50,000 under Florida's wrongful death act, in addition to compensation for mental anguish, loss of income, and funeral expenses.
As of now, Disney has not responded to requests for comment.
