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Ohio Jury Awards $22.5 Million Against TQL in Newborn's Wrongful-Death Case

Jurors concluded Total Quality Logistics' refusal to honor a doctor-backed work-from-home accommodation during a high-risk pregnancy led to the baby's death.

Overview

  • The seven-day trial ended with a $25 million award, with jurors assigning 90% of the fault to TQL, resulting in a $22.5 million judgment for the family.
  • Court filings say Chelsea Walsh requested remote work on Feb. 15, 2021 after a cervical procedure, was denied, returned to the office on Feb. 22, and went into labor on Feb. 24 at about 20 weeks; her daughter, Magnolia, died roughly 90 minutes after birth.
  • The lawsuit says TQL initially sent unpaid-leave paperwork instead of processing the accommodation, creating a choice between following medical orders and keeping pay and health insurance.
  • Plaintiffs say TQL reversed course only after a third party escalated the issue on Feb. 24; defense filings argue Walsh was offered continued leave and that remote work was approved that day.
  • TQL issued condolences, said it disagrees with the verdict and how the facts were characterized at trial, and stated it is evaluating legal options.