In late 2024, Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan dined at Raglan Road at Disney Springs and suffered a severe allergic reaction due to her meal. This incident, which ultimately led to her death, sparked a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her family against both Walt Disney World Resort and the Irish restaurant.
Following her death, Dr. Tangsuan’s family initiated legal action, seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and a jury trial for all applicable issues. The case has underscored the importance of food safety and the potential hazards for guests with dietary restrictions, raising questions about the accountability of restaurant operators in regard to allergen management.
Disney’s Response to the Lawsuit
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Disney has taken significant steps in response to the lawsuit, attempting to keep various records and details about the case confidential. This includes requesting that certain food testing results relevant to the incident remain undisclosed, which has fueled speculation and criticism regarding their motives.
As part of their defense strategy, Disney sought to move the case into arbitration, expressing that customers have implicitly agreed to such terms when they access various Disney services. However, this tactic faced substantial backlash from the public and legal circles, leading Disney to retreat from this approach.
The decision to pursue arbitration was met with considerable resistance, as many perceived it as a means to obfuscate details surrounding the tragedy. The public outcry raised concerns about Disney’s commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in the wake of a life lost under such distressing circumstances.
One of the more alarming aspects of the case is the revelation that there have been multiple prior incidents at Raglan Road involving diners with dietary restrictions facing incorrect meal preparations. Reports indicate that five other patrons experienced similar issues in the years preceding Dr. Tangsuan’s death, raising red flags about the restaurant’s protocol and training regarding allergen management.
The family’s legal representative has not held back in criticizing both Disney and Raglan Road, accusing them of failing to take necessary precautions when it comes to food safety. The language in their filings emphasizes a narrative of negligence and responsibility, pointing out that staff at Raglan Road did not adequately heed Dr. Tangsuan’s dietary concerns, leading to the disastrous outcome.
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These allegations take on a heavier weight in light of Disney’s attempts to label numerous documents, including menus and food testing results, as “confidential.” The continued push for confidentiality has stirred mistrust and raised ethical questions about whether the necessary information is being kept hidden from the public and from the family seeking justice and answers.
The lawsuit has seen various filings and motions as it progresses through the court system. Recent reports suggest that the family’s legal team is actively challenging Disney’s claims of confidentiality and seeking full disclosure of pertinent details related to the investigation and the events leading up to the tragedy.
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