TN Supreme Court Rules PTSD Expected Part of Firefighter's Job
Judges reinstated the denial of ex-Chattanooga firefighter's disability benefits.
The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated the denial of a former Chattanooga firefighter's disability benefits, citing "significant evidence" that the gory events causing his post-traumatic stress disorder were an expected part of the job.
Matthew Long was a Chattanooga firefighter for 15 years before being diagnosed with PTSD.
While he may not have expected to experience PTSD, that does not make the events themselves unexpected within his normal course of duties.
The court opinion stated: "There is little evidence that the events causing Mr. Long's PTSD were 'unexpected,' and there is significant evidence that the events were expected.
Author's summary: Court denies benefits to firefighter with PTSD.