News
Ohio Firm Ordered to Pay $22.5M in Work-From-Home Denial Case
An Ohio company, Total Quality Logistics, must pay $22.5 million to a woman after denying her request to work from home during a high-risk pregnancy, which subsequently led to the death of her baby. Chelsea Walsh's request to work remotely was initially denied despite medical advice for bed rest following a cervical operation.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) initially denied Chelsea Walsh's request to work from home starting February 15, 2021, despite her doctor's recommendation for modified bed rest due to a high-risk pregnancy, according to NBC News. Walsh had undergone a cervical operation and was advised to limit activity. A press release from Walsh's attorney stated that TQL presented Walsh with a choice between working at the office, which would put additional strain on her child, or taking unpaid leave and losing income and health insurance. According to the lawsuit, Walsh's husband, Joel Walsh, spoke with the company's human resources manager, who is friends with a TQL executive. The executive allegedly responded, "Thank you." TQL ultimately granted Walsh's request on February 24, the same day she went into premature labour and gave birth to her daughter, Magnolia, who was born at 20 weeks and four days.
Key Facts
- Total Quality Logistics (TQL) must pay $22.5 million to Chelsea Walsh.
- Walsh requested to work from home due to a high-risk pregnancy.
- TQL initially denied Walsh's request despite medical advice for bed rest.
- Walsh underwent a cervical operation prior to the request.
- Walsh's doctors instructed her to limit activity and work from home.
- TQL granted the request on February 24, the day Walsh went into premature labour.
- Walsh gave birth to her daughter, Magnolia, at 20 weeks and four days.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Daily Wire — Firm Must Pay $22.5M To Woman Whose Baby Died After Work-From-Home Request Denial