A Cincinnati couple has been awarded $25 million in a lawsuit against Total Quality Logistics (TQL) after a jury found the company at fault for complications that led to the death of their newborn daughter, Magnolia Walsh.
The lawsuit, decided on Thursday, centers on Chelsea Walsh’s high-risk pregnancy and TQL’s decision to require her to return to the office in February 2021, despite a doctor’s recommendation for bed rest. Chelsea Walsh had begun working at TQL in January 2021 and informed her employer of her pregnancy. In February, she provided a doctor’s note outlining the need for reduced activity due to a cervical complication.
According to court testimony, TQL initially appeared accommodating to remote work, as employees who contracted COVID-19 were permitted to work from home with equipment delivered to their residences. But, when Chelsea Walsh requested the same accommodation for her pregnancy, the company initially denied her request, presenting her with a choice between returning to the office or taking unpaid exit, potentially losing her health insurance. Attorney Brian Butler, representing the Walsh family, stated that this placed Chelsea in an “impossible position,” questioning how they would afford medical care for the baby without insurance.
Chelsea Walsh returned to work on February 22, 2021. Three days later, on February 25, she gave birth to Magnolia. The baby exhibited signs of life – a heartbeat, breathing, and responsiveness – but died approximately ninety minutes later in her mother’s arms, according to co-counsel Matthew Metzger.
“Magnolia was born, she breathed, she responded to touch, she was loved—Chelsea and Jacob got to hold her. Chelsea’s mom, Magnolia’s grandma, got to hold her. But the baby then passed away peacefully,” Metzger said.
The jury awarded the Walsh family $22.5 million in damages, as reported by NBC News and Fox19, though Local 12 reported the award at $25 million. The discrepancy in the reported amount has not been reconciled.
The Walsh family expressed that the financial award was secondary to achieving justice and hoped it would prompt TQL to re-evaluate its workplace culture. However, they likewise acknowledged the irreplaceable loss of their daughter, stating they do not currently plan to have more children.
TQL released a statement expressing condolences to the Walsh family but also stating their disagreement with the verdict and the presentation of facts during the trial. The company indicated This proves evaluating legal options and reaffirmed its commitment to employee health and well-being.
The Walshs’ legal team anticipates TQL will appeal the jury’s decision.
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