US: A jury in Hamilton County has ordered logistics firm Total Quality Logistics (TQL) to pay $22.5 million (approximately Rs 210.5 crore) in damages following the death of an employee’s newborn daughter, in a case centred on workplace accommodation during a high-risk pregnancy.

The verdict found the company primarily responsible after it denied a request for remote work accommodation, despite medical advice, according to reports.

High-risk pregnancy and denied work-from-home request

In February 2021, employee Chelsea Walsh underwent a medical procedure to prevent premature labour. Doctors instructed her to remain on modified bed rest, limit physical activity and work from home due to complications in her pregnancy.

Walsh formally requested permission to work remotely on February 15. However, TQL denied the request and directed her to either return to the office or take unpaid leave, which would have affected her income and health insurance coverage.

Also Read| Game changer? Pharma industry unveils low cost solution for Type 2 diabetes in India

At nearly 21 weeks pregnant, Walsh continued working from the office for three days, contrary to medical advice. Although the company later approved her remote work request on February 24, she went into premature labour the same day.

Her daughter, Magnolia, was born at just under 21 weeks’ gestation and died approximately 90 minutes after birth.

Jury verdict and compensation

The jury concluded that the company’s refusal to grant a reasonable workplace accommodation contributed directly to the infant’s death. While jurors initially awarded $25 million in damages, they attributed 90 per cent of the liability to TQL, resulting in a final payout of $22.5 million.

Legal representatives for the family argued that the employee had followed medical advice and sought a reasonable adjustment, which was denied. The jury determined that this denial played a critical role in the outcome.

Company response and legal options

TQL expressed condolences to the family but said it disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing legal options. The company maintains that it remains committed to employee health and workplace policies.

Headquartered near Cincinnati, TQL is one of the largest freight brokerage companies in the United States, employing around 9,000 people and generating more than $6 billion in annual revenue.

Also Read| Health alert: India sees rise in child obesity with 56 million at risk by 2040

Workplace policy and employee rights in focus

The case has drawn attention to employee rights, workplace flexibility, and pregnancy accommodation laws, particularly in high-risk medical situations. Experts say the ruling could influence how employers handle remote work requests, maternity protections and medical accommodations in the future.