Marko Law secured a $1M jury verdict after a whistleblower reported suspected elder abuse and faced retaliation. The Wayne County jury delivered justice.
Standing up for vulnerable patients should never cost someone their career. But that’s exactly what happened in Meagan Builte v. Trinity Health—until a Wayne County jury stepped in.
After a hard-fought trial, the jury returned a $1 million verdict in favor of Meagan Builte, a former Director of Assisted Living who was fired after doing what the law—and basic human decency—demands: reporting suspected elder abuse to the State of Michigan.
At Marko Law, we fight hard—and we don’t back down. This verdict sends a powerful message: retaliation against whistleblowers will not be tolerated.
Ms. Builte worked in a leadership role overseeing care at a nursing home facility. During her employment, she became concerned about the treatment of elderly residents and followed proper procedures by reporting suspected abuse to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Instead of supporting her efforts to protect vulnerable patients, Trinity Health terminated her employment.
The case centered on whether her termination was lawful—or whether it was retaliation for speaking up.
A Wayne County jury ultimately determined the answer.
During the trial, Trinity Health attempted to justify the firing by claiming that family members of residents had complained about Ms. Builte’s performance.
But there was one problem.
Those complaints didn’t exist.
During discovery, the defense initially refused to produce the alleged complaints, claiming they were privileged. When the court ordered the documents to be turned over, it became clear that no such complaints had ever been made.
Even more striking, one of the individuals the defense claimed had complained about Ms. Builte took the stand as the first witness for the plaintiff.
Her testimony directly contradicted the defense’s narrative.
She told the jury that Ms. Builte was an excellent employee who cared deeply about residents and treated her loved one well.
Throughout the trial, the defense launched aggressive attacks on the plaintiff, calling her the “worst employee Trinity Health had ever hired” and labeling the case a sham.
They also criticized expert witnesses and attempted to undermine the credibility of Marko Law’s legal team.
But the jury saw through those arguments.
Instead, they focused on the core issue: whether an employee was punished for reporting suspected abuse.
Their answer was clear.
One of the challenges in the case involved damages.
Because Ms. Builte secured another job shortly after her termination, the amount of lost wages was limited.
But juries often look beyond just the economic numbers. They consider principle, accountability, and the broader message their verdict sends.
The $1 million award reflects the jury’s recognition that retaliation against whistleblowers—especially those reporting potential abuse of elderly residents—must carry serious consequences.
Cases like this highlight why whistleblower protections matter.
Employees in healthcare, elder care, and other sensitive industries are often the first line of defense against abuse or misconduct. If they fear losing their jobs for reporting wrongdoing, dangerous situations can remain hidden.
Michigan law protects employees who report suspected violations or abuse in good faith. Retaliation against those employees may violate the law and expose employers to significant liability.
Every case is different, and anyone facing retaliation should speak with a lawyer to understand their rights.
This trial victory was the result of dedicated work from the Marko Law team.
Special thanks to:
Their commitment helped ensure that the truth was heard and justice was delivered.
When employees speak up to protect vulnerable people, they should be supported—not punished.
The verdict in Builte v. Trinity Health reinforces a critical principle: whistleblowers play a vital role in protecting the public, and retaliation against them will not go unanswered.
At Marko Law, we represent individuals who have been wronged, silenced, or retaliated against for doing the right thing.
If you believe your rights have been violated or you faced retaliation for reporting misconduct, you may have legal options.
📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: https://www.markolaw.com/
You deserve more than a settlement. You deserve justice. Let’s get to work.
We Will Help You!
Get in touch with a real person 24/7/365.
If you’re a law firm owner and want help optimizing your practice for success, please email jon@markolaw.com
قصص حقيقية. نتائج ملموسة. من قضايا الإصابات الشخصية إلى انتصارات الحقوق المدنية، يثق عملاؤنا في شركة ماركو للمحاماة لتحقيق العدالة في الأوقات الأكثر أهمية. استمع إلى ما يقوله الناس في جميع أنحاء ميشيغان عن تجربتهم مع فريقنا القانوني.
"نوصي به بشدة لأي شركة تتطلع إلى تحسين كفاءتها وربحيتها."
.svg)
"نوصي به بشدة لأي شركة تتطلع إلى تحسين كفاءتها وربحيتها."
"نوصي به بشدة لأي شركة تتطلع إلى تحسين كفاءتها وربحيتها."
"نوصي به بشدة لأي شركة تتطلع إلى تحسين كفاءتها وربحيتها."
"نوصي به بشدة لأي شركة تتطلع إلى تحسين كفاءتها وربحيتها."
Good evening, gentlemen! Just wanted to pop in and give a big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way — and trust me, that’s a high compliment coming from me. In a world full of soft millennials, this guy is built different. John Eads & Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs, especially with a mediator and attorney who were… let’s just say “extra spicy” with a side of confusion. Either way, I wanted to send some love and let you know I’ll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
.png)
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
.png)
I’ve been working with attorney Michael Jones for the past two years and I can honestly say I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated or determined attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. He truly cares about his clients and it shows in everything he does. I’m so grateful for his commitment, integrity, and perseverance. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you every step of the way.
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind courteous and very knowledgeable on any question that I have had this far. They always answer my questions and walk me through this process. I would recommend Marko law and Michael and his assistant Dae to anyone who needs a outstanding law firm
From intake through the entire process to date, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me, and are a credit to their law firm, Jon Marco Law! The interactions and timely responses to my questions and requests have given me true faith in their ability to represent me during my case. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you Jon Marko law and Thank you Michael and Dae for all you are doing. 03/2026
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
I just wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding the receptionist who answers the phone. In my interactions with Melody, I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to assist me in navigating your corporate structure to ensure that I could talk directly to the person who could best help me. Due to her assistance, my issue was successfully resolved.
In my opinion, if injured in an auto accident, this is "The Best Ever Law Firm!" Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well! I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent with me to ensure I received the maximum payout for my case! His assistant/Paralegal Tracey was also great in handling everything Alex needed to close my case etc. Alex Kay is an awesome attorney and family man! I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted Law Firm! They are the real deal if you need a maximum payout from your case! Special thanks to Jon Marko, Alex Kay, and Tracey! Kudos to everyone on the Marko Law Team!
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case thus far, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. I've never dealt with a lawsuit before and he's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with him and hopefully things will continue to go smoothly with my suit.
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. Ariel goes above and beyond all expectations I had. Not only does she uphold herself to the highest standards of professionalism, she is also very personable and easy to talk to and makes you feel confident in your legal team. 10/10 if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Having Marko law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. Alex dedication, hard work, and experience guided my case to a successful settlement. I can’t thank Marko Law enough for what they done for me. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
Reno Arabo. What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You were extremely helpful. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing was amazing. You kept me informed and updated on all aspects of my case. You asked me questions and listened to what I thought instead of telling me what to do. I would 100% recommend you and your fund. 06/2026
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again! 1/18/2022
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm! 4/02/2017
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team! 1/19/2022
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients. 5/12/2016
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:) 5/27/2020
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars! 8/12/2020
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice. 5/12/2016
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even when taking on the most laborious cases. Their impressive performance is reassuring when handling such significant and critical issues. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights. 5/12/2021
في ماركو لو (Marko Law)، نحن لا نكتفي بتولي القضايا فحسب، بل نتخذ موقفاً حازماً. سواء كنت تواجه إصابة، أو ظلماً، أو إهمالاً صريحاً، فإن فريقنا يقاتل من أجلك وكأن الأمر شخصي — لأنك تراه كذلك بالفعل.
هل أنت مستعد لإيصال صوتك؟
نحن هنا لنحقق الفوز، لا لنضيع الوقت.
