The recent case Michael Vanderford v. E.S. Dockery Company reaffirms that that to prove a heart attack Workers’ Compensation claim in Tennessee, the worker will need an expert that can show that the physical conditions of work caused the heart attack. This is a reminder that, while tough, the cases are winnable.
In the case of Michael Vanderford v. E.S. Dockery Company, the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims ruled in favor of the deceased worker’s children, awarding death benefits after determining that Vanderford’s fatal heart attack was primarily caused by his work. Judge Brian K. Addington presided over the April 28, 2025 hearing and issued the final compensation order.
Michael Vanderford was a long-time flooring installer who worked with E.S. Dockery Company for over 20 years. His work involved physically demanding tasks such as removing old flooring and adhesives. He paid for his own workers’ compensation coverage under the company’s policy and was known for completing projects efficiently. At the time of his death, he lived with his ex-wife, Sabrina Vanderford, their biological son, Michah, and Sabrina’s daughter, Bryelynn, who considered Michael her father. Although divorced for financial reasons in 2020, the couple continued to live together, and Vanderford fully supported the household.
On August 25, 2023, while working at Charity Baptist Church in Blountville, Tennessee, Vanderford collapsed and died after sweeping adhesive from the floor. Surveillance video showed him appearing visibly distressed, pouring water on himself, and retreating to his van before dying. The day prior, he had called off work due to a headache but otherwise performed normal daily activities, including driving and caring for the children.
Sabrina Vanderford filed for death benefits on behalf of the children. The employer disputed the claim, arguing that Vanderford’s death was due to preexisting coronary artery disease and not related to work. The central legal question was whether the heart attack arose “primarily out of” his employment—meaning work must have contributed more than 50% to the cause of death.
Expert testimony was pivotal. Dr. Arvindh Kanagasundram, a Vanderbilt-trained cardiologist, testified on behalf of the claimant. He concluded that Vanderford’s physical exertion at work significantly aggravated his heart condition and triggered a fatal arrhythmia. He noted Vanderford appeared short of breath and was sweating prior to the collapse, supporting the idea that the event was work-related.
Conversely, the employer’s expert, Dr. Claro Diaz, attributed the heart attack mainly to Vanderford’s chronic coronary artery disease, claiming the event could have happened anytime. However, Dr. Diaz did not consult with witnesses or use expert treatises, weakening his opinion. The court found Dr. Kanagasundram’s testimony more credible and detailed, especially since he considered all available evidence, including conversations with the widow and supporting medical literature.
The court distinguished this case from Mitchell v. Bunge North America, where a worker died while sitting and talking, not from exertion. Here, Vanderford was actively engaged in physical labor when the heart attack occurred. Tennessee precedent has held that even routine exertion like sweeping can be sufficient to cause a compensable heart attack if it aggravates a preexisting condition.
The court also found both children to be dependents. While only Michah was Vanderford’s biological child, Bryelynn had lived with and relied on Vanderford for years. Citing Tennessee law, the court held that non-biological children are eligible for benefits if they are wholly dependent on the deceased.
The final award totaled $537,300—the maximum allowable under state law—based on the state average weekly wage. Each child was awarded a lump sum of $41,456.65 and will receive $465.80 per week until age 18, or 22 if they attend post-secondary education. If one child becomes ineligible, the remaining child will receive the full weekly benefit of $931.61. Attorneys’ fees of $107,460 and discretionary costs of $4,436.10 were also approved.
The ruling affirms that work-related exertion, even if routine, can be the primary cause of death when it significantly contributes to a fatal medical event. The court’s decision ensures financial protection for dependent children of workers who die as a result of their job duties.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or health event on the job, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of Tennessee workers’ compensation law. Contact a Knoxville workers’ compensation lawyer at The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto today to discuss your case and protect your rights.