In a controversial legal move, Disney is attempting to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit by arguing that the plaintiff, Jeffrey Piccolo, waived his right to sue when he signed up for a Disney+ streaming trial in 2019. Piccolo is suing Disney for $50,000 following the tragic death of his wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road, an Irish pub located in Disney Springs, Florida.

The Tragic Incident

Kanokporn Tangsuan, who had severe allergies to nuts and dairy, was assured by a waiter at Raglan Road that her meal was free of allergens. However, shortly after consuming the meal, Tangsuan experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed. Despite the administration of an EpiPen, she died in a hospital. A medical examiner confirmed that her death was due to anaphylaxis caused by the ingestion of dairy and nuts.

Disney’s Legal Argument

Disney’s defense hinges on the arbitration clause found in the terms and conditions of its streaming service, which Piccolo had signed up for in 2019. The company argues that this agreement requires any disputes to be settled through arbitration rather than in court. This claim has been met with outrage from Piccolo’s legal team, who describe Disney’s argument as “absurd,” asserting that such a clause should not apply to a wrongful death case involving a completely unrelated service.

The Broader Implications

The case has sparked a broader debate about the enforceability of arbitration clauses, especially in situations where they might prevent access to the court system for serious claims. The outcome of the upcoming hearing, scheduled for October, could have significant implications for consumer rights and corporate accountability.

Disney’s attempt to use a streaming service agreement to avoid a wrongful death lawsuit has sparked significant controversy, raising questions about the limits of arbitration clauses and corporate responsibility. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by legal experts and consumer rights advocates alike.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On.

Instagram: @itson.ie

TikTok videos and information: @itson.ie