When most people think of winter in Wayne County, they think of slick roads, snow-covered sidewalks, and that bitter cold that cuts through your coat. But here at Marko Law, we see something else—clients coming through our doors, not just chilled by the cold, but by the way their basic rights have been ignored.

Because winter doesn’t just freeze the ground—it often exposes cracks in the system.

We’ve heard the stories. The single mom who couldn’t get her landlord to fix the heat while her baby cried through the night. The elderly man forced to use a space heater in a building that hasn’t seen a maintenance crew in months. The delivery driver told to “tough it out” on icy streets without proper gear or time to rest. These aren’t inconveniences. These are civil rights violations.

🏚️ When Housing Becomes a Health Hazard

In the middle of a Michigan winter, housing issues can turn dangerous fast. If your landlord refuses to fix a broken furnace or ignores calls about frozen pipes, they’re not just being negligent—they could be violating the Fair Housing Act or Michigan’s landlord-tenant laws.

This is especially true if you're part of a protected group under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—which includes the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children. If you're being ignored because of your background or condition, you don’t just have a housing issue—you may have a discrimination case.

👷‍♀️ Unsafe Workplaces and the Right to Stay Safe

We represent hard-working people across Michigan. People who show up early, stay late, and get the job done—even when the snow piles high. But winter isn’t an excuse for employers to cut corners. Whether you work construction, delivery, or maintenance, your employer has a legal duty to provide safe working conditions and reasonable accommodations.

If you’re being forced to work in unsafe weather, docked for missing a shift due to a snowstorm, or denied accommodations for a medical condition, that’s not just unfair—it could be a violation of the Civil Rights Act or the ADA.

🚫 Public Services Can’t Leave People Behind

Snowed-in sidewalks and inaccessible public transportation aren’t just annoying—they can isolate and endanger people. For someone with mobility challenges, a snow-covered curb ramp or frozen bus stop can mean missing a medical appointment or being trapped at home.

Under the ADA, local governments and public service agencies are required to maintain accessibility year-round. If poor snow removal or delayed emergency services have left you stranded, it may be more than bad luck—it could be a legal violation.

📷 What Can You Do? Start by Documenting

If something doesn’t feel right, start documenting. Take photos of unsafe living conditions, icy walkways, or unplowed streets. Keep records of communication with your landlord, employer, or city. Get witness statements. These details matter.

⚖️ Then Call a Legal Team That Doesn’t Back Down

At Marko Law, we don’t see winter as an excuse. We see it as a test—a test of how society treats its most vulnerable, and how the law responds. Our team is built to handle these challenges. From housing violations to employment discrimination and accessibility failures, we’re ready to take action.

Because everyone deserves dignity, safety, and fair treatment—even when the temperature hits single digits.

🧭 If You’re Facing a Winter-Related Rights Violation, Let’s Talk

We offer free case evaluations, and we’ll tell you the truth—no fluff, no confusion, just honest guidance about where you stand and how we can help.

📞 Call us at 1-313-777-7LAW or visit us at
📍 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 www.markolaw.com