Johnson v. National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh

OPINION

CANNON, Justice.

This action involved the death benefits awarded by the Industrial Accident Board to the survivors of Jefferson Johnson. Jannice Johnson, Jefferson’s legal spouse at the time of his death, and Betty Johnson, the next friend and natural guardian of Jefferson’s children, Kristina and Joseph, are the appellants. They contend that the trial court erred in awarding attorney’s fees in periodic payments because a lump sum award is mandatory when the insurance carrier fails to admit liability in a claim for death benefits under the Worker’s Compensation Act. We find no error and…