Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Allergy Suffering Diner Dies from Shellfish Contamination

(DailyAnswer.org) – The tragic death of Abraham Kenneth Ezra Williams after ingesting shellfish-laden pesto in a Las Vegas restaurant reveals pressing concerns about food safety and the obligations of dining establishments.

At a Glance

Abraham Williams died from anaphylactic shock after eating pesto at Beauty & Essex in Las Vegas.
Despite informing staff of his shellfish allergy, he was unknowingly served a contaminated dish.
His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the restaurant and emergency services.
The lawsuit alleges staff barriers prevented life-saving measures and responders delayed proper care.

The Incident: Fatal Allergy

Abraham Williams, dining at Beauty & Essex, ordered spaghettini with pesto sauce, communicating his severe shellfish allergy to the restaurant staff. In a tragic oversight, the meal served contained shellfish, causing immediate anaphylactic shock.

Williams succumbed to the allergic reaction at a hospital on April 30, 2023. His death certificate attributes the cause to anaphylaxis from shrimp or nuts. Despite efforts, he went into respiratory and cardiac arrest, ultimately resulting in an untimely death.

A man died after an allergic reaction to one bite from his meal at a Cosmopolitan Las Vegas — a wrongful death lawsuit alleges a long list of mistakes https://t.co/5bOYvbZ0bz #8NN

— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) December 31, 2024

Legal Actions and Allegations

The family launched a wrongful death lawsuit targeting the restaurant, The Cosmopolitan, and emergency responders. The suit claims the meal contained known allergens, while neither the restaurant nor responders rendered timely medical assistance. Beauty & Essex, and The Cosmopolitan, have not yet commented.

“Employees of Defendant Cosmopolitan and/or Beauty & Essex created a barricade around the Decedent and refused to let anyone through to perform any life-saving techniques,” the lawsuit said.

The family accuses restaurant staff of failing to respond effectively and preventing others from aiding Williams. The lawsuit further alleges emergency responders neglected proper protocols, significantly delaying critical interventions.

A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that a man died after eating at a restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.https://t.co/Sxj8ULbzlR

— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) December 31, 2024

Systemic Food Safety Failures

Posthumous lawsuits highlighted systemic failures in food safety and allergy management within restaurants. Trained restaurant employees allegedly lacked proficiency to treat anaphylactic incidents or assist when signs of allergic reactions became evident.

The family seeks $15,000 in general and special damages alongside punitive damages, demanding rigorous adherence to safety protocols in food establishments. Emphasizing communication and protocol in allergen management remains vital to avoid similar incidents.