DARLENE TAYLOR AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF DARRELL TAYLOR STATE FILE NO. 860327-2023 v. DALE’S RECYCLING, ET AL. - Articles

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DARLENE TAYLOR AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF DARRELL TAYLOR STATE FILE NO. 860327-2023 v. DALE’S RECYCLING, ET AL.

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 15, 2025

Court: TN Workers Comp Appeals Board

Attorneys 1: Richard R. Clark, Nashville, Tennessee, for the employer-appellant, Dale’s Recycling.

Attorneys 2: Jonathan May, Memphis, Tennessee, for the employee-appellee, Darlene Taylor as Surviving Spouse of Darrell Taylor.

Judge(s): WEAVER

In this compensation appeal, the employer argues the trial court erred in awarding the surviving spouse death benefits following the decedent employee’s death. The employee’s apparent heart attack occurred while he was performing duties associated with his job as a driver for the employer. His surviving spouse sought workers’ compensation death benefits, alleging the employee died following a heart attack brought on by physical exertion and mental stressors while working. The employer denied the claim, asserting the employee’s heart attack was primarily caused by his pre-existing conditions. In awarding death benefits, the trial court relied on the expert opinion of a cardiologist retained by the claimant, and the employer has appealed. Upon careful consideration of the record and the arguments of counsel, we affirm the trial court’s decision and certify it as final.

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