A New Dawn for Food Safety? Cause for Cautious Optimism

We’ve written previously about our co-counsel Bill Marler of Marler Clark, and their industry-leading advocacy for victims of foodborne illness. Marler is not just reacting to foodborne illnesses, but working very hard to proactively prevent foodborne illness by pushing for systemic change to help clean up our food systems.

Information is a powerful tool in the fight, and that’s why we continue to tell everyone about Marler’s fantastic Netflix documentary! I was also happy to see that John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight show did a deep dive on the government systems (and their shortcomings) for keeping us safe. Maybe it’s the idealism of youth, but maybe, just maybe, we’re finally going to start taking food safety seriously. Hopefully the smart folks in Washington D.C. will listen to Bill and start waving their magic wands!

In a world where food safety is more crucial than ever before, firms like Darr Law and Marler Clark stand at the forefront of change. With a cautiously optimistic outlook, we believe that we are entering a new era of food safety, where the well-being of consumers is being taken more seriously than ever before.

The Importance of Food Safety

Food is not just sustenance; it's an essential part of our lives, bringing us joy, nourishment, and shared experiences. However, in recent years, the dark shadow of foodborne illnesses has loomed large, causing concern for consumers and raising questions about the integrity of the food supply chain. From E. coli outbreaks to salmonella contamination, the risk of foodborne illnesses has become an alarming reality.

A Cautiously Optimistic Vision

As we look ahead, we see signs of hope on the horizon. Society is becoming more conscious of the importance of food safety, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and responsibility from food producers and distributors. Regulatory agencies are also stepping up their efforts to ensure that food safety standards are met.

We are cautiously optimistic that, with the dedication of legal professionals like this firm and others, we are entering a new era where food safety is prioritized like never before.

Join the Movement for Food Safety

Darr Law invites you to join us in our mission to make food safety a top priority. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a foodborne illness, don't hesitate to reach out for experienced legal guidance and unwavering support.

Together, we can foster a brighter, safer future where foodborne illnesses are rare, and every meal can be enjoyed without fear. Leading the way, we are hopeful that this new era of food safety is just around the corner.

FDA Outbreaks - Consumers Need Answers

One of the valuable services our government provides related to food borne illnesses (aka food poisoning) is investigation into the causes of food borne illness outbreaks. It’s an important job, and one that we (the private sector) are ill-equipped to complete. That’s why it’s very disturbing to see that that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to close its investigations without solving the source of illness.

The information is publicly available and disappointing! NINE outbreaks have completed their investigations, and ended unsolved. This is simply unacceptable. If we fail to identify the causes of outbreaks, then we cannot improve the systems that lead to outbreaks.

Our co-counsel Bill Marler of Netflix fame recently wrote a blog post talking about the changes he’d enact in the food industry if he had a magic wand. As he notes:

A dirty truth is that most culture-confirmed illnesses are never attributable to a food source, so people never know what sickened or killed them. Not because the source was not food, but because we fail to invest adequate resources in the epidemiologists that investigate illnesses and track those illnesses to the cause.

Our government agencies need to do better!

Until then, Darr Law will continue to do what it can to help those people harmed by food borne illnesses. If we can be of help, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Were You Affected by the Square / Cash App Outage? Your Rights Explained!

The digital age has revolutionized the way we manage and transfer our money. Yet, with such conveniences also come potential pitfalls. One such incident is the outage Square / Cash App (owned by the company Block) first reported yesterday, September 8, 2023. CBS News - Square Disruption Report

The issues started on Thursday, September 7th, and as of Friday morning, there were, reportedly, more than 1,500 reports of issues with Square’s system. Users of Cash App and Square services were unable to access their accounts. With numerous users unable to access their funds, the concerns and frustrations were palpable.

At Darr Law, we are experienced with the legal issues surrounding these types of outages. If you are or were affected by this outage (or many others like it), you might be wondering what rights you have in these frustrating situations.

Shedding Light on the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA)

Passed in 1978, the EFTA was crafted to be the backbone of protection for consumers involved in electronic transfers. Whether you’re making a debit card purchase or transferring funds via Cash App, the EFTA is your safety net. Under the EFTA you have a right to YOUR MONEY and information about the transactions on your account!

Your Rights Amidst the Square and Cash App Outage

Given the recent Square and Cash App outage, what does this mean for you?

1. Right to Information: Square and Cash App are obligated to give you information about the specifics of the outage—its cause, expected duration, and any implications for your account.

2. Transaction Integrity: If you detect any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions related to the outage, you're protected under EFTA, and the involved institutions are required to resolve such matters expeditiously.

3. Compensation: While EFTA covers unauthorized transactions, if you believe that you’ve faced undue hardship or financial losses because of the outage, it might be time to consult with legal experts. Remember, it's not just about the immediate loss but potential consequential damages too.

Darr Law: Standing By Your Side

In times of financial turbulence, understanding your rights can be a beacon. At Darr Law, we’re committed to ensuring you’re not left in the dark. If you were affected by the Square and Cash App outage, feel free to reach out to see if we can help you receive compensation. We only get paid if we win!

CONTACT US

Alex Darr can be reached at:
Alex@Darr.Law
or
614-465-3277 (This line can also receive text messages.

Stay informed, stay protected.

Darr Law Co-Counsel Bill Marler Featured in Netflix Documentary!

Are you a food safety enthusiast, a legal buff, or simply someone concerned about what goes on your plate? If so, you're in for a treat! Netflix's gripping documentary, "Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food," has captured the attention of millions worldwide, shedding light on the alarming realities of our food industry. Among the key figures featured in this eye-opening film is the renowned Bill Marler, an authority in food safety litigation. We’ve previously written about Darr Law’s collaboration with Bill representing individuals in Ohio who were harmed by an E. Coli outbreak.

Meet Bill Marler - A Food Safety Crusader

Bill Marler, a prominent attorney and managing partner at Marler Clark, is no stranger to the world of foodborne illness litigation. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully represented thousands of individuals affected by food poisoning, advocating for food safety regulations, and holding negligent corporations accountable. His unwavering dedication to consumer safety has earned him a reputation as one of the leading authorities in food safety litigation.

The Netflix Documentary: Unveiling the "Dirty Truth"

"Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food" takes viewers on a riveting journey behind the scenes of the global food industry. This gripping documentary explores shocking outbreaks and the devastating effects of contaminated food on individuals and communities. As the documentary unravels, Bill Marler emerges as a prominent voice, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights into the complexities of food safety litigation.

Alex Darr and Bill Marler

As passionate advocates for food safety, both Marler and Darr recognize the critical importance of raising awareness about foodborne illnesses and the need for stronger safety measures.

By joining forces, Marler and Darr present a united front to educate consumers on the hidden risks lurking within the food industry. Their collective expertise underscores the gravity of the situation and calls for action to prioritize food safety standards.

Together, our firms emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms, increased transparency, and stricter regulations to safeguard consumers against foodborne illnesses. Bill’s work in the Netflix documentary, and our work representing harmed individuals serves as a powerful call to action for everyone, from individuals to policymakers and corporations, to take food safety seriously.

Don’t Miss “Poisoned”

"Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food" is a gripping documentary that shines a light on the imperative issue of food safety, with Bill Marler highlighting the urgency of the matter. As consumers, we must remain vigilant about the food we consume, and this collaboration emphasizes the importance of staying informed and holding the food industry accountable.

We encourage you to watch "Poisoned" on Netflix to witness firsthand the impact of foodborne illnesses and to hear from our colleague and co-counsel Bill Marler.

Remember, knowledge is power, and with powerful advocates like Marler and Darr, we can bring about positive change in the food industry. Stay informed, stay safe, and join the movement for a healthier and safer food landscape.

As always, if you have any questions or have been harmed by a food illness, please contact us.

Darr Law LLC Supported by the Federal Government in Fralish v Bank of America Appeal

At Darr Law LLC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients in complex legal cases. Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with the federal government in the appeal of Fralish v Bank of America before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The case centered around the question of whether an existing accountholder is an applicant for purposes of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). The plaintiff in the case, a Bank of America customer, alleged that the bank had closed his credit card account without providing a reason, in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

The district court ruled in favor of Bank of America, holding that the plaintiff was not an applicant under the ECOA. However, the plaintiff appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Darr Law LLC represented Fralish in the appeal, arguing that the district court's ruling was incorrect and that an existing accountholder is indeed an applicant for purposes of the ECOA. We argued that this interpretation of the law was necessary to protect the rights of consumers and to prevent discrimination by creditors.

In a significant show of support, the federal government filed an amicus brief in the case, completely vindicating our position. The amicus brief was a joint effort of four, different federal agencies: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Trade Commission. The brief argued that an existing accountholder is indeed an applicant for purposes of the ECOA and that the district court's ruling was incorrect.

The amicus brief and government support was a significant victory for consumers and affirmed the importance of the ECOA in protecting against credit discrimination.

If you have been the victim of credit discrimination or the closure of a credit card account, don't hesitate to contact Darr Law LLC. Our experienced attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. We are proud to have collaborated with the federal government in Fralish v Bank of America, and we are ready to fight for you too.

Darr Law LLC and Marler Clark Join Forces to Help Victims of E. Coli Outbreak at Wendy's Restaurants in Ohio

In fall 2022, an E. coli outbreak linked to several Wendy's restaurants in Ohio made national news. The outbreak resulted in dozens of people falling ill and being hospitalized. This tragic incident has raised important questions about food safety and the responsibilities of restaurants and food manufacturers.

At Darr Law LLC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed by this outbreak. That's why we have partnered with Marler Clark, one of the nation's leading law firms specializing in food safety litigation. Together, we are working to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Marler Clark has a long history of successfully representing victims of foodborne illness outbreaks. The firm has been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in recent history, including the 2015 outbreak of E. coli linked to Chipotle restaurants, the 2011 listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes, and the 2006 E. coli outbreak linked to spinach.

Working with Marler Clark allows us to bring additional resources and expertise to our clients' cases. We are able to draw on the firm's extensive knowledge of food safety regulations, as well as their network of experts in fields such as epidemiology, microbiology, and public health.

Our partnership with Marler Clark also means that we are able to take on cases of any size and complexity. Whether you were one of the dozens of people who fell ill in this outbreak or you have suffered from a similar incident in the past, we are here to help.

If you or a loved one has been affected by this E.coli outbreak or any other food safety issues, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that justice is served. Together, we can work to make our food system safer for everyone.

And if you want to stay up to date on all things food safety, we highly recommend the Marler Blog for all things food safety.

Migrating Old Blog Content to New Site

Welcome to the new blog for Darr Law. Over the coming months, we’ll be migrating previous blog posts to this new home.

As with all of the content on this site, it is provided for informational/education purposes only; it does not constitute, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. If you have legal questions, you should direct them to a lawyer for an evaluation of your individual situation.

If you have any questions for the firm, please feel free to contact us.