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Marko Law Firm

Whistleblower Attorney Detroit

It takes guts to stand up and tell the truth — especially when the truth threatens powerful people, companies, or institutions.
Whistleblowers are the quiet heroes who refuse to look the other way when they see corruption, fraud, or abuse. But too often, doing what’s right comes with consequences — retaliation, isolation, and fear.

At Marko Law, we see you. We stand with you. And we fight for you.

A whistleblower is simply someone who reports illegal, unethical, or unsafe conduct by their employer or organization. That might mean exposing falsified reports, revealing misuse of taxpayer funds, reporting unsafe working conditions, or calling out discrimination or harassment that others ignore.

Here in Detroit, whistleblowers have sparked change in government agencies, hospitals, auto manufacturers, and correctional institutions — shining a light on wrongdoing that affects real lives. But speaking up in the Motor City isn’t easy. Employers often retaliate, hoping to silence the truth.

If you’ve been punished for doing the right thing, you’re not alone — and you have rights under Michigan and federal law.

What Is a Whistleblower — and What Laws Protect You?

In Michigan and across the country, laws exist to protect people who speak out against injustice. These laws make it illegal for employers to retaliate against someone who reports wrongdoing — whether you’re fired, demoted, harassed, or blacklisted.

At Marko Law, we help whistleblowers understand their protections and take action when those rights are violated.

Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA)

Under the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act, it’s illegal for an employer to fire, threaten, or retaliate against an employee who reports a violation of law to a public body — such as the police, a government agency, or even an internal ethics board.

  • This includes reporting workplace safety issues, fraud, discrimination, or any illegal conduct.
  • You’re protected even if the investigation doesn’t ultimately prove your claim, as long as your report was made in good faith.

Federal False Claims Act (FCA)

The False Claims Act gives individuals the right to report fraud against the government — like a contractor overbilling a state agency or a healthcare provider submitting fake Medicare claims.

  • Whistleblowers under the FCA can file “qui tam” lawsuits on behalf of the government.
  • If successful, you may be entitled to a portion of the recovered funds — sometimes up to 30% of the total.

OSHA & Sarbanes-Oxley Protections

If you’ve spoken up about unsafe working conditions, corporate fraud, or financial misconduct, other laws may also protect you:

  • OSHA safeguards workers who report health and safety violations.
  • Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) protects employees of publicly traded companies who expose financial fraud or shareholder deception.

Common Types of Whistleblower Cases in Detroit

Detroit has always been a city built on strength, resilience, and hard work. From the factory floor to the front lines of public service, Detroiters know what it means to stand up for what’s right — even when it’s not easy.

At Marko Law, we represent whistleblowers across the Detroit area who’ve had the courage to speak out against corruption, fraud, and injustice. These are some of the most common whistleblower cases we see in our city:

Public Corruption and Misuse of Taxpayer Funds

Detroit has a long history of public accountability battles. When city or county officials misuse public funds, falsify reports, or engage in unethical conduct, whistleblowers are often the first line of defense for taxpayers.
If you’ve reported fraud, waste, or abuse in a government agency, school district, or municipal department — and faced retaliation — the law is on your side.

Healthcare Fraud

Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers in Detroit play a vital role in our community. But when employees expose billing fraud, such as charging Medicare or Medicaid for services that were never performed, they’re often punished for telling the truth.
We help healthcare professionals hold bad actors accountable while protecting their rights under state and federal law.

Corporate Retaliation and Workplace Misconduct

In Detroit’s diverse industries — from automotive to tech to manufacturing — employees sometimes face retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or safety violations.
If you’ve been demoted, harassed, or isolated after speaking out about illegal or unethical conduct, you may have a strong retaliation claim under the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act.

Prison and Law Enforcement Misconduct

Detroit has also seen courageous corrections officers, police officers, and public servants come forward to expose abuse, excessive force, or cover-ups within their departments.
At Marko Law, we’ve stood beside these whistleblowers — protecting their rights, their reputations, and their futures.

Auto Industry Defects and Safety Violations

Michigan’s manufacturing and automotive industries have deep roots in Detroit. Workers who uncover dangerous defects, emissions violations, or unsafe testing practices play a critical role in saving lives.
But when powerful corporations retaliate, those truth-tellers need powerful advocates. That’s where we come in.

Signs You May Have a Whistleblower Retaliation Claim

Retaliation doesn’t always happen overnight — and it doesn’t always look the same. Many employers will try to disguise retaliation as “restructuring,” “discipline,” or “poor performance.” But make no mistake: when your career suffers because you told the truth, that’s illegal.

Watch for these red flags after reporting misconduct or wrongdoing:

  • Sudden demotion or reassignment to less desirable duties or shifts
  • Hostile work environment — constant criticism, exclusion, or intimidation
  • Termination or discipline without cause shortly after your report
  • Threats, isolation, or defamation designed to damage your reputation

Even if you haven’t been fired, you may still have a valid retaliation case. Under Michigan law, retaliation includes any action that negatively impacts your job or creates a hostile environment because you spoke up.

Whistleblower cases are time-sensitive, and every day counts. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. And employers move quickly to cover their tracks.

That’s why you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. At Marko Law, our Detroit whistleblower lawyers act fast — preserving evidence, filing claims, and fighting to protect your career and your future.

How Marko Law Protects Whistleblowers

At Marko Law, we know what it takes to go up against powerful institutions — and win. Our founding attorney, Jon Marko, has built a reputation as one of Michigan’s fiercest trial lawyers, known for his relentless pursuit of justice in employment and retaliation cases.

Jon has taken on the biggest employers and government agencies in the state — and come out on top. His record includes:

  • A $11.6 million verdict against the Michigan Department of Corrections, the largest intact employment discrimination verdict in Michigan history — a case that also involved serious retaliation issues.
  • Multi-million dollar verdicts in whistleblower, civil rights, and workplace retaliation cases across the state.
  • Recognition as a Super Lawyer, Employment Law Trailblazer, and Go-To Lawyer for Negligence Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

When whistleblowers come to Marko Law, we protect them with the same tenacity and skill that has earned our firm statewide and national respect.

Our Proven Approach

Here’s how we fight for truth-tellers — and win:

  • Confidential Consultations: Everything you share stays between you and our legal team. We understand the fear that comes with exposing misconduct, and we’ll keep your privacy protected at every stage.
  • Aggressive Investigation: We dig deep. From internal emails and personnel records to witness statements and audit trails, we uncover the evidence your employer hopes will stay buried.
  • Strategic Use of Media (When Appropriate): In some cases, shining a public light on retaliation or corruption can amplify your impact and help protect others from the same abuse. We handle this strategically — never recklessly.
  • Pursuit of Maximum Compensation: We fight for everything you’re entitled to — your lost wages, future income, emotional distress, and punitive damages that send a clear message: retaliation won’t be tolerated.

At Marko Law, we fight hard — and we don’t back down.
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You Spoke Up. Now Let’s Stand Up for You.

The system needs people like you — truth-tellers, protectors, and ordinary Detroiters brave enough to speak out when others stay silent. You did the right thing. Now you deserve protection, not punishment.

At Marko Law, we’ve built our reputation on fighting for those who’ve been wronged for standing up. We know how hard it is to take that first step — and we’re ready to take the next steps with you.

From Downtown Detroit to the factories, hospitals, and public offices across our city, we stand with whistleblowers who refuse to back down. Because in this city, courage still means something — and justice does, too.

Contact Marko Law for a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation

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

Marko Law Will Give You A Voice

At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.

  • Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
  • Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
  • Free, confidential consultations — you don’t pay unless we win
  • Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan


Ready to make your voice heard?
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