New TN Law Protects the Protectors

by

Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated August 21, 2025 In Employment Law, Personal Injury

Emergency responders in Tennessee risk their lives every day to protect our communities. In doing so, they often face traumatic and stressful situations. These experiences can take a serious toll—both mentally and physically—even long after the job is done.

Conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), and even physical health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease are common among first responders. Long hours, intense pressure, and exposure to trauma can lead to serious health issues.

Unfortunately, getting help isn’t always easy. Physical injuries, like a broken arm, are easy to see and connect to the job. But mental health conditions or illnesses caused by long-term stress can be harder to prove, making it difficult to get workers’ compensation benefits. Thankfully, Tennessee has passed new laws to help. 

In 2023, Tennessee passed the James “Dustin” Samples Act. This law is named after Captain James “Dustin” Samples, a longtime firefighter who tragically died by suicide in 2020 after struggling with PTSD and losing access to care.

Now, under this law, if an emergency responder like a firefighter is diagnosed with PTSD within one year of leaving the job, it can be presumed to be work-related if they experienced specific traumatic events on the job, such as witnessing death or severe injury. This makes it much easier to get treatment, support, and compensation.

Additionally, T.C.A. § 7-51-201 helps protect first responders by presuming that certain serious health conditions are work-related. This includes hypertension or heart disease in law enforcement officers, and lung disease, hypertension, heart disease, or specific cancers in firefighters.

To qualify under T.C.A. § 7-51-201, they need a medical exam before starting the job that shows no signs of the condition. Additionally, firefighters with lung disease or cancers must have worked at least five consecutive years and need to show they were exposed to smoke, fumes, or toxic substances.

First responders put their own safety on the line every day to protect and serve others. Beyond the physical demands of the job, they also carry the emotional weight of witnessing trauma and tragedy, all while continuing to serve with dedication and compassion. These laws make it easier for first responders to get the care and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered from PTSD after working in emergency services, Ponce Law may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options.