A family’s dream vacation to Disney World turned into unspeakable tragedy when Dr. Kanokporn “Amy” Tangsuan died following a severe allergic reaction after dining at a restaurant at Disney Springs. Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, is now suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the restaurant, alleging staff negligence in failing to protect a diner with known severe food allergies. This case underscores the devastating consequences restaurants can face when they don’t take food allergies seriously.
The Heartbreaking Incident
In October 2023, Tangsuan, a New York-based physician, and her family decided to dine at the Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, believing the restaurant would accommodate her dairy and nut allergies. Despite repeated confirmations that her selected dishes, – a vegan fritter, scallops, onion rings, and a vegan shepherd’s pie – could be made allergen-free, tragedy struck after the meal. Dr. Tangsuan experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction and passed away, leaving her family devastated.
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Were Mistakes Made?
Despite being assured by their waiter that the food was allergen free, some of the food lacked allergen-free flags, according to a lawsuit filed in Orange County, Florida by Jeffrey Piccolo. After dinner, Tangsuan went shopping in the Disney Springs area, and began “suffering from a severe allergic reaction.” According to the lawsuit, she “began having severe difficulty breathing and collapsed to the floor.”
Despite self-administering an Epi-Pen, Dr. Tangsuan died from “anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system,” the lawsuit said, per information provided in the medical examiner’s investigation.
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Where Liability May Lie
The lawsuit alleges potential liability against both the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Disney Parks and Resorts. Why?
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Raglan Road Irish Pub
- Negligence and Failure to Train:
- The restaurant may be found negligent for failing to properly train staff on food allergen procedures and for not accurately communicating the presence of allergens in the food.
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Misrepresentation:
The waiter’s repeated assurances of the food being allergen-free could be considered misrepresentation, further strengthening the case for negligence.
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Disney Parks and Resorts
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Premises Liability:
Disney Parks and Resorts has a duty to ensure the safety of all guests, including those with food allergies. Restaurants within resort property must follow strict safety protocols, and staff should be well-trained in handling allergy concerns.
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Vicarious Liability:
Disney may be held responsible for employees’ negligence at Raglan Road, making them potentially liable for the tragic event.
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Seeking Justice: The Role of a Personal Injury Law Firm
A personal injury law firm representing the family of Dr. Tangsuan would likely pursue a wrongful death claim. These are some of the facets of the case they would focus on:
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A thorough Investigation: Attorneys would gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, witness statements, restaurant menus, recipes, and policies, and any other documentation related to the incident.
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Determine Liable Parties: The chain of events would be analyzed to determine all potentially liable parties, and may include outside entities such as food suppliers and distributors.
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Establish Negligence: A strong case will be built, demonstrating how the negligence of Disney, Raglan Road, employees, and other parties contributed to the death of Dr. Tangsuan.
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Seek Damages: Lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation for the family, including damages for:
- Wrongful Death
- Funeral Costs
- Loss of Income
- Emotional Pain and Suffering
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the life-or-death importance restaurants must place on handling food allergies, especially those in high-traffic tourist destinations. Practicing proactive measures, establishing clear guidelines, maintaining staff training, and establishing clear lines of communication are essential to prevent future tragedies. If a loved one has suffered due to negligence in a food allergy incident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury law firm like GOLDLAW to determine your rights, and receive the justice you deserve.
Why is GOLDLAW the right firm for Your Wrongful Death Claim?
Filing a wrongful death claim can be emotionally difficult, but an experienced attorney can help guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, GOLDLAW is the right choice for you.
- We fully understand the pain and anguish that brought you to us, and we will handle your case with the compassion and dedication it deserves.
- We know money can’t bring back your loved one, but we will obtain what you rightfully deserve to make this process easier for you.
- We have a track record of winning substantial compensation for our clients.
For your COMPLIMENTARY case evaluation, “Choose the 2’s.” Call GOLDLAW at 561-222-2222, or by telling us about your situation here.
