Thai doctor’s allergy leads to fatal dinner at Florida Disney World

[webfact]

 

A Thai doctor from New York died after an allergic reaction at a restaurant at Disney World, Florida.

 

Her grieving husband is taking legal action against the Florida resort and the restaurant where they dined, alleging negligence in a lawsuit filed recently.

 

According to reports from NBC News Digital, the complaint filed in a Florida circuit court on behalf of Jeffrey J. Piccolo claims that Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant served Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan food containing allergens, despite assurances of allergy safety.

 

The 42 year old Thai doctor succumbed to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis on the night of October 5 last year, as per a medical examiner’s autopsy report cited in the lawsuit. The trio, Dr Kanokporn, Piccolo, and his mother, opted for dinner at the restaurant in Disney Springs, believing it could cater to her allergies, the complaint states.

Despite reassurances from the server and the establishment’s purported commitment to allergy safety, tragedy struck. The couple repeatedly sought clarification on allergen-free options, only to be assured that their chosen dishes would be safe for consumption.

 

Following the meal, tragedy struck. Dr Kanokporn began experiencing difficulty breathing around 8.45pm, collapsing in a nearby restaurant due to the severe allergic reaction triggered by the food served at Raglan Road. Despite administering her EpiPen, her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring emergency medical attention.

 

Paramedics rushed the Thai doctor to the hospital, where, tragically, she succumbed to an allergic reaction. Piccolo, unaware of the unfolding tragedy, was informed by a bystander who answered his wife’s phone. Upon arrival at the hospital, he received the devastating news of her passing, reported Thai PBS World.

An autopsy revealed elevated levels of dairy and nuts in Dr Kanokporn’s system, aligning with her known allergies. However, the validity and significance of these findings, conducted post-mortem, remain under question.

 

The lawsuit, naming the restaurant and Disney Parks and Resorts as defendants, alleges multiple counts of negligence and seeks damages exceeding US$50,000 (approximately 1,800,000 baht). As the legal battle unfolds, it casts a sombre light on the importance of allergen awareness and safety protocols in dining establishments, even within the magical realms of Disney.

 

by Samantha Rose

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-29

 

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[flyingtlger]

35 minutes ago, webfact said:

The lawsuit, naming the restaurant and Disney Parks and Resorts as defendants, alleges multiple counts of negligence and seeks damages exceeding US$50,000 (approximately 1,800,000 baht).

With the right lawyers, they can get way more than 50K, especially because Disney is named as a defendant.

The Mouse doesn't want this kind of publicity.....

[GammaGlobulin]

This never happens at Epcot, as far as I know.

Another great news story from The Thaiger,....

Thank you....

So Much!

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

So it was a nut allergy?

[webfact]

NYU doctor dies after dining at Disney restaurant where waitstaff insisted food was allergen-free
 

Jeffrey Piccolo and his wife, Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan//Jeffrey Piccolo FB

The husband of a New York doctor has filed a lawsuit alleging she died of an allergic reaction at Disney World and accusing the Florida resort and a restaurant where she died of negligence.

 

His complaint alleges that on October 5, 2023 Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant served Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan food containing allergens despite multiple assurances it would be allergy-safe, according to NBC News Digital.

 

Kanokporn, 42, died that night of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, according to a medical examiner’s autopsy report cited in the complaint, which was filed in a Florida circuit court Thursday on behalf of her husband, Jeffrey J. Piccolo.

 

Disney Parks and Resorts did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

 

The doctor, Piccolo and his mother went to the restaurant at Disney Springs, a Disney World shopping and dining complex, on October 5 for dinner, the complaint says.

 

They chose to eat there believing the restaurant could accommodate her allergies, it says. The lawsuit says Disney and Raglan Road have said that accommodating those with allergies is a top priority and that customers can consult with staff members about specific ingredients.

 

The couple told their server that  Kanokporn had severe allergies and couldn’t consume food with allergens. When they asked whether specific items were allergen-free, the server responded that they would be made so if ordered, the complaint says.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-29

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

[save the frogs]

not sure any restaurant can claim food is "allergen-free" because people can be allergic to just about anything.

 

if someone has a specific allergy, isn't it their responsibility to be cautious? 

 

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

not sure any restaurant can claim food is "allergen-free" because people can be allergic to just about anything.

 

if someone has a specific allergy, isn't it their responsibility to be cautious? 

 

Thai Dr. advised on life/death health matter by minimum wage serving staff ...........wonder how good a doctor she was?

Edited February 28 by BritManToo

[Mike Lister]

11 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Thai Dr. advised on life/death health matter by minimum wage serving staff ...........wonder how good a doctor she was?

The article in the op says:

 

"Disney and Raglan Road have said that accommodating those with allergies is a top priority and that customers can consult with staff members about specific ingredients".

 

I think it's inappropriate that you question her medical skills, which smells a lot like victim blaming to me. 

[jacko45k]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

So it was a nut allergy?

I read elsewhere that a PM found nuts in her body.

[EVENKEEL]

If I had life threatening food allergy, I wouldn't be eating out. Or, I don't think I would.

[hotchilli]

36 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

if someone has a specific allergy, isn't it their responsibility to be cautious? 

I wonder if they specified certain foods that could not be consumed or just asked about an allergen free menu?

Any restaurant must now take real care of saying they are allergen free..

[sirineou]

3 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

With the right lawyers, they can get way more than 50K, especially because Disney is named as a defendant.

The Mouse doesn't want this kind of publicity.....

If they are  found negligent and liable. the award can be a lot more,way more than $50k

The way it is calculated . aside from pain and suffering, the life long earning potential of this young lady is considered in the award to the husband. 

  Having said that, no amount of money can make this right . How tragic!!

My heart goes out to her husband, her family and friends. 

 

Edited February 29 by sirineou
corrected typo

[jacko45k]

Just now, EVENKEEL said:

If I had life threatening food allergy, I wouldn't be eating out. Or, I don't think I would.

I recall a case where Pret a Manger got into issues when a girl ate one of their sandwiches, and had a nut allergic reaction that I believe killed her, The food  company had really done all they could and met the law, yet were blamed for the incident. I felt they got a rough deal really, and that the girl should have been more wary......

In this OP case I believe Disney gave assurances all was ok.

I have gluten intolerance and I assure you it is difficult to know what foods will be okay. Food manufacturers add items one would expect to have no reason being there, for whatever reason. 

[IAMHERE]

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

I read elsewhere that a PM found nuts in her body.

Without an autopsy no one knows if it was food from the restaurant or something she ate before or after that.

[Mike Lister]

21 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

Without an autopsy no one knows if it was food from the restaurant or something she ate before or after that.

She collapsed in the restaurant, I doubt very much that she ordered anything further! Allergic shock reaction tends to be immediate, the autopsy already confirmed her CoD was a 'severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis", or allergic reaction.

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

A Thai doctor from New York died after an allergic reaction at a restaurant at Disney World, Florida.

 

Her grieving husband is taking legal action against the Florida resort and the restaurant where they dined, alleging negligence in a lawsuit filed recently.

 

According to reports from NBC News Digital, the complaint filed in a Florida circuit court on behalf of Jeffrey J. Piccolo claims that Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant served Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan food containing allergens, despite assurances of allergy safety.

 

The 42 year old Thai doctor succumbed to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis on the night of October 5 last year, as per a medical examiner’s autopsy report cited in the lawsuit. The trio, Dr Kanokporn, Piccolo, and his mother, opted for dinner at the restaurant in Disney Springs, believing it could cater to her allergies, the complaint states.

Despite reassurances from the server and the establishment’s purported commitment to allergy safety, tragedy struck. The couple repeatedly sought clarification on allergen-free options, only to be assured that their chosen dishes would be safe for consumption.

 

Following the meal, tragedy struck. Dr Kanokporn began experiencing difficulty breathing around 8.45pm, collapsing in a nearby restaurant due to the severe allergic reaction triggered by the food served at Raglan Road. Despite administering her EpiPen, her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring emergency medical attention.

 

Paramedics rushed the Thai doctor to the hospital, where, tragically, she succumbed to an allergic reaction. Piccolo, unaware of the unfolding tragedy, was informed by a bystander who answered his wife’s phone. Upon arrival at the hospital, he received the devastating news of her passing, reported Thai PBS World.

An autopsy revealed elevated levels of dairy and nuts in Dr Kanokporn’s system, aligning with her known allergies. However, the validity and significance of these findings, conducted post-mortem, remain under question.

 

The lawsuit, naming the restaurant and Disney Parks and Resorts as defendants, alleges multiple counts of negligence and seeks damages exceeding US$50,000 (approximately 1,800,000 baht). As the legal battle unfolds, it casts a sombre light on the importance of allergen awareness and safety protocols in dining establishments, even within the magical realms of Disney.

 

by Samantha Rose

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-29

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

Sounds tragic. Knowing about her allergy she would have been advised to keep always proper medication in her bag as cortisone and adrenaline pen. 

RIP

[jacko45k]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Sounds tragic. Knowing about her allergy she would have been advised to keep always proper medication in her bag as cortisone and adrenaline pen. 

RIP

I read a pen had been used.

[PremiumLane]

They do love a bit of victim blaming in this forum 

[Scouse123]

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

If I had life threatening food allergy, I wouldn't be eating out. Or, I don't think I would.

 

I was thinking the same and I wouldn't put my trust in a young waiter or waitress, regardless of any assurances.

[Dcheech]

30 minutes ago, PremiumLane said:

They do love a bit of victim blaming in this forum 

 

Always have. It is a long standing tradition here on Thaivisa, Asean Now. BTW, why are you questioning the culture of this forum?!  

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

The article in the op says:

 

"Disney and Raglan Road have said that accommodating those with allergies is a top priority and that customers can consult with staff members about specific ingredients".

 

I think it's inappropriate that you question her medical skills, which smells a lot like victim blaming to me. 

You're completely right, in this day and age nobody should have to take responsibility for their own welfare, it's always someone else's fault.

[Mike Lister]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You're completely right, in this day and age nobody should have to take responsibility for their own welfare, it's always someone else's fault.

You questioned her medical skills, not her ability to take responsibility for her decision to eat at a restaurant. 

[BritManToo]

2 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

You questioned her medical skills, not her ability to take responsibility for her decision to eat at a restaurant. 

I question all doctors medical skills, half the time I turn out to be more skilled than them.

 

[Mike Lister]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I question all doctors medical skills, half the time I turn out to be more skilled than them.

 

Lucky for you then that following your recent hit and run, you encountered doctors who were well trained and skilled, mostly likely trained at the same medical teaching university at the doctor in the op!

[Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai]

3 hours ago, save the frogs said:

not sure any restaurant can claim food is "allergen-free" because people can be allergic to just about anything.

 

if someone has a specific allergy, isn't it their responsibility to be cautious? 

 

Agree, if I had a food allergy which was  life threatening extra caution would be important. 

I would not trust what anyone told me about purchased meals.

Best idea is buy your own products and prepare yourself. 

RIP lady and condolences to husband and family.

 

[Mike Lister]

4 minutes ago, Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai said:

Agree, if I had a food allergy which was  life threatening extra caution would be important. 

I would not trust what anyone told me about purchased meals.

Best idea is buy your own products and prepare yourself. 

RIP lady and condolences to husband and family.

 

Would that mean that you would never eat out at a restaurant?

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I read a pen had been used.

Sorry, I should have read the original story.

[Liverpool Lou]

6 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

With the right lawyers, they can get way more than 50K, especially because Disney is named as a defendant.

The Mouse doesn't want this kind of publicity.....

"The autopsy report said her manner of death was an accident. It also noted that the tests were conducted after her death and that their validity and significance “have not been established.”

[realfunster]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Sounds tragic. Knowing about her allergy she would have been advised to keep always proper medication in her bag as cortisone and adrenaline pen. 

RIP

 

 

Someone mentioned the well known UK case involving Pret-a-manger (sandwich shop). The teenage girl in that case injected 2 epi-pens whilst on the plane but still went into cardiac arrest and died.

I am far from an expert on these matters but it would appear if someone has an extremely severe allergy, then even the epi-pens are not enough.

I don't know in practice whether sufferers can actually be aware of whether they are just severely allergic or potentially fatally allergic to something.

 

Edited February 29 by realfunster
Typo

[Liverpool Lou]

3 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

She collapsed in the restaurant, I doubt very much that she ordered anything further!

She left the restaurant in which they had eaten and she went shopping. later going into a different restaurant for help when the attack came on.

 

"Following the meal at roughly 8 pm, the party split up. Piccolo went back to the couple’s nearby hotel room, and the doctor stayed at Disney Springs to go shopping, the document says.

About 8.45pm she began having difficulty breathing, went into a nearby restaurant and collapsed"