Exposed wrongdoing at work? Marko Law protects Michigan whistleblowers from retaliation. Call (313) 777-7777 for a free consultation.

Exposing corruption, fraud, or illegal activity shouldn’t destroy your livelihood — but too often, it does. You did the right thing. You spoke up when others stayed silent. And now you’re being punished for it.

Maybe you’ve been demoted, isolated, or fired. Maybe your boss suddenly decided your “performance” was a problem right after you reported misconduct. Or maybe your coworkers treat you differently because you had the courage to stand up.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless.

Whistleblowers in Dearborn and across Michigan are protected by law. Both state and federal whistleblower laws make it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report wrongdoing, unethical behavior, or safety violations.

At Marko Law, we stand beside truth-tellers. Our Detroit-based civil rights firm has fought — and won — major cases for employees who were harassed, demoted, or fired simply for doing the right thing. We’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and landmark employment victories across Michigan courts, proving that justice can prevail when you have the right team on your side.
➡️ See our Verdicts.

“At Marko Law, we fight hard — and we don’t back down. Standing up for what’s right shouldn’t cost you everything.”

Understanding Whistleblower Protection Laws in Michigan

So, what exactly is a whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who reports — or refuses to participate in — illegal, unethical, or dangerous activity by their employer or coworkers. These brave individuals are often the first line of defense against corruption, safety hazards, and corporate misconduct.

Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (WPA)

Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (MCL 15.361 et seq.) makes it illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting suspected violations of law to a public body — such as law enforcement, a regulatory agency, or a government department.

Key protections include:

• It applies to both public and private sector employees in Michigan.
• It forbids retaliation, including firing, demotion, or harassment, against an employee who reports wrongdoing.
• It covers those who are about to report, even if they haven’t yet done so.

Under the WPA, you may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and damages for emotional distress or career harm.

Federal Whistleblower Protections

In addition to Michigan’s WPA, several federal laws safeguard employees who expose corruption, fraud, or safety violations:

• OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program: Protects workers who report health, safety, and workplace hazards.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Shields corporate employees who report securities fraud, insider trading, or shareholder deception.
• False Claims Act (FCA): Allows individuals to expose fraud against the U.S. government — and even share in recovered funds if successful.

Each law comes with its own procedures and strict filing deadlines — and that’s where Marko Law comes in. Our attorneys understand these complex systems and can help you take the right action at the right time to protect your rights and your future.

Common Types of Whistleblower Cases in Dearborn

Dearborn is home to a diverse workforce — from auto manufacturers and city departments to hospitals, schools, and private corporations. Unfortunately, misconduct can happen anywhere power meets profit. When it does, whistleblowers are often the only ones with the courage to expose it.

At Marko Law, we protect employees in every sector who take a stand against corruption, waste, and illegal behavior. Here are the most common types of whistleblower cases we handle in the Dearborn area:

Government and Public Sector Whistleblowing

Public employees who report fraud, misuse of taxpayer funds, or corruption in government agencies, city offices, or public services are protected under Michigan law. Exposing misconduct in the public sector isn’t betrayal — it’s public service.

Healthcare and Hospital Whistleblowing

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who report Medicaid or Medicare fraud, falsified billing, unsafe patient care, or forged records play a critical role in protecting both patients and taxpayers. These cases often involve violations of the False Claims Act and can lead to major recoveries for the government — and protection for the whistleblower.

Corporate and Financial Whistleblowing

Corporate professionals who uncover accounting fraud, insider trading, or securities violations are protected under federal laws like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). These whistleblowers often face subtle but severe retaliation from powerful financial institutions — and they need strong legal protection.

Automotive and Manufacturing Industry Whistleblowing

In Dearborn, where the auto industry drives the economy, employees are often the first to spot safety violations, OSHA breaches, or concealed product defects. Reporting these dangers isn’t just about compliance — it can save lives. Marko Law represents engineers, line workers, and safety officers who’ve faced backlash for speaking the truth.

Education and Public School Retaliation

Teachers, administrators, and public employees who report discrimination, misuse of public funds, or violations of student rights are also protected under Michigan and federal law.

Whistleblowers are the backbone of accountability. When they are punished for doing the right thing, Marko Law steps in to make it right.

Your Rights Under Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act

Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (WPA) is one of the strongest state-level protections for employees who expose misconduct. It exists to protect integrity — and to make sure that doing what’s right doesn’t cost you your job, reputation, or peace of mind.

Here’s what you need to know about your rights:

Who Qualifies for Protection

• Employees (not independent contractors) who report or plan to report illegal conduct to a public body or government agency.
• Workers who refuse to participate in illegal activity at their employer’s direction.
• Employees who testify, assist, or participate in investigations or court proceedings related to the misconduct.

Protected Actions Include

• Reporting a suspected violation of law or regulation.
• Cooperating with an investigation or subpoena.
• Declining to follow an unlawful order from an employer or supervisor.

Remedies Available Under the WPA

If your employer retaliates against you for speaking up, the law entitles you to recover:

• Reinstatement to your job (if you were terminated or forced out).
• Back pay and benefits for lost income.
• Emotional distress damages for the humiliation, anxiety, and stress of retaliation.
• Attorney’s fees and court costs, ensuring you don’t have to pay out of pocket to seek justice.

The Michigan WPA is clear: your employer cannot punish you for doing the right thing. But these cases move fast — most WPA claims must be filed within 90 days of retaliation.

If you think you’ve been retaliated against for reporting misconduct, contact Marko Law immediately. Our whistleblower attorneys will help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and take action before the deadline expires.

What to Do If You’re Facing Retaliation in Dearborn

If you’ve been punished for speaking up, the steps you take next could make or break your case. Michigan’s whistleblower laws protect you — but you must act fast, and you must act smart.

Here’s what to do if you’re facing retaliation for telling the truth:

1. Document Everything.
   Write down every retaliatory act — dates, names, emails, text messages, comments, or performance reviews that changed after you spoke up. This documentation becomes powerful evidence in your favor.
2. Don’t Quit Without Legal Advice.
   Quitting may seem like the only way out, but it can affect your rights and compensation. Talk to a lawyer first — we can help you plan the right move before you walk away.
3. File a Complaint Promptly.
   Under Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, you generally have only 90 days from the date of retaliation to file your claim. Waiting too long can cost you your case.
4. Consult a Whistleblower Lawyer Immediately.
   Retaliation cases move quickly — and employers will move even faster to cover their tracks. Having Marko Law on your side ensures your rights are protected from day one.

At Marko Law, we help whistleblowers in Dearborn and throughout Michigan take back their power. Whether you’re still employed or have already been fired, our legal team will guide you every step of the way — confidentially and aggressively.

Protecting Truth-Tellers in Dearborn

Doing the right thing shouldn’t destroy your career — but when it does, Marko Law will stand beside you.

Whistleblowers are the conscience of our workplaces and communities. You shine light where others prefer darkness. You speak up when others stay silent. And while that takes courage, it shouldn’t take away your livelihood, your dignity, or your peace of mind.

At Marko Law, we give whistleblowers a voice, a platform, and a powerful ally. Our legal team knows how to take on employers, government agencies, and corporations that think they’re above the law — and we’ve proven, time and again, that they’re not.

If you’re in Dearborn and you’ve faced retaliation for reporting fraud, corruption, or illegal activity — don’t wait. Michigan’s deadlines are short, and evidence disappears fast.

“Michigan law gives you limited time to act — don’t wait until it’s too late.”

You stood up for what’s right. Now let us stand up for you.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com