Disney Reverses Course on Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Disney has decided to allow a wrongful death lawsuit to proceed in court, brought by Jeffrey Piccolo, whose wife died after an allergic reaction to a meal at a Disney resort restaurant. Initially, Disney argued that Piccolo's subscription to Disney+ barred him from suing, claiming he had agreed to arbitration for disputes.
However, Disney's chairman, Josh D’Amaro, stated that the company would waive its right to arbitration, emphasizing the need for a sensitive approach given the tragic circumstances. Piccolo's attorney criticized Disney's initial stance as unreasonable, highlighting that Piccolo believed he had only signed up for a trial subscription.
Piccolo is seeking over $50,000 in damages under Florida's Wrongful Death Act, which includes compensation for mental pain, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.