Ohio firm must pay $22.5 million to mom whose baby died after she was denied work-from-home

"TQL presented Walsh with an impossible choice - work at the office and put additional strain on her child, or take an unpaid leave of absence and lose the income and health insurance she needed. The jury found that TQL's denial of that reasonable request led to the death of her daughter."

"Magnolia had a heartbeat, was breathing, and exhibited fetal movement. Magnolia was placed on Walsh's chest so that Walsh could hold her. Magnolia died in Walsh's arms approximately one hour and thirty minutes later."

"The evidence showed that Chelsea Walsh was following her doctors' instructions for a high-risk pregnancy and simply asked to work from home. This is a heartbreaking outcome for a young family."

Chelsea Walsh requested to work from home on February 15, 2021, four days after undergoing cervical surgery to prevent early labor. Total Quality Logistics denied her request, forcing her to choose between working in the office or taking unpaid leave without health insurance. Walsh returned to the office on February 22. She gave birth prematurely on February 24 at four to five months pregnant. Her daughter Magnolia was born alive with a heartbeat and breathing but died approximately ninety minutes later. The jury determined that TQL's denial of the reasonable accommodation directly led to the child's death, awarding Walsh $22.5 million in the wrongful death case.

Read at NBC News