Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. v. Crowe

*574OPINION

WILSON, Justice.

This appeal arises from a workers’ compensation death case. The question presented is whether death benefits due under the Workers’ Compensation Act may be paid in a lump sum when a bona fide dispute regarding the liability of the carrier exists, or if the payment may be made only if the case is settled. We hold that settlement is not required as a prerequisite to a lump sum award.

The jury found that John Wayne Crowe was injured on his job, and the injury was the producing cause of his death. The jury also found the payment of compensation in weekly installments,…