An Ohio-based logistics company has been found liable for the death of a newborn baby after denying a pregnant employee’s request to work from home.
On Wednesday, a jury ordered Total Quality Logistics, often referred to as TQL, to pay $22.5 million in damages. The lawsuit was filed by Chelsea Walsh, who said she requested a temporary work-from-home accommodation during a high-risk pregnancy. According to NBC News, Walsh made the request on February 15, 2021 — just four days after undergoing a cervical procedure meant to prevent early labor. Her doctor’s guidance limited her activity. Her employer reportedly denied the request.
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High-Risk Pregnancy and Workplace Decision
Court documents state that TQL allegedly required Walsh to either return to the office or take unpaid leave. The unpaid leave option, according to the lawsuit, would have meant losing income and health insurance coverage.
Faced with that decision, Walsh returned to the office on February 22, 2021. Two days later, on February 24, she gave birth to her daughter, Magnolia. The lawsuit states that Walsh was between four and five months pregnant at the time of delivery. Magnolia died in her mother’s arms approximately an hour and a half after birth.
Company Reconsidered After the Birth
According to the lawsuit, TQL reconsidered its denial on the same day Magnolia was born. Walsh was reportedly allowed to work from home after her husband, Joel Walsh, spoke with his own company’s human resources manager. That HR manager was reportedly friends with a top executive at TQL.
The accommodation came after the loss. The jury ultimately determined that the company’s decision-making contributed to the tragic outcome.
Company Responds to Verdict
TQL spokesperson Julia Daugherty said in a statement that the company disagrees with the verdict.
The company has indicated it plans to challenge the ruling.