Disney Drops Arbitration in Food Allergy Lawsuit
- Disney has decided to waive the right to arbitration in a lawsuit filed by a widower.
- The lawsuit was in response to the death of the widower's wife from a food allergy after dining at Disney World.
- This decision marks a significant shift in Disney's approach to the case.
Disney and its restaurant Raglan Road are requesting the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the widower of a New York doctor who died from an allergic reaction. The company argues that the plaintiff, Jeffrey Piccolo, waived his right to litigate in court when he signed up for a Disney+ account years ago. In a statement, Disney Chairman Josh D’Amaro emphasized the company's commitment to addressing the situation with sensitivity, announcing that they would waive their right to arbitration to expedite a resolution for the grieving family. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Piccolo's late wife, alleges wrongful death and seeks damages exceeding $50,000. The complaint details the tragic incident, stating that the allergic reaction occurred shortly after the family dined at Raglan Road, a restaurant known for its Irish cuisine and live entertainment. Disney contends that the terms and conditions of both the Disney+ and MyDisney accounts, which Piccolo used to purchase tickets, require disputes to be resolved through mediation rather than litigation. Disney's legal team also points out that Raglan Road operates independently and is not owned by Disney, suggesting that the lawsuit's inclusion of the restaurant is an attempt by the plaintiff's attorney to broaden the scope of the case. The restaurant has been a fixture at Disney Springs since 2005, attracting visitors with its unique offerings. As the case unfolds, both parties are preparing for a court battle over the claims made by Piccolo.