Opinion ID: 880514
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cross Appellant's Issue

Text: Whether the lower court erred in denying lump sum attorney fees for future benefits? On cross-appeal Irene contends that the lower court erred in refusing to provide the attorney fees due from the Fund for future benefits in a lump sum. We disagree. The applicable statute, § 39-71-611, MCA (1983), provides for an award of attorney fees and costs from the insurer. The amount and kind of fees, lump sum or periodic, must be reasonably established by the Workers' Compensation Court. The lower court acts reasonably and within its discretion by refusing to lump sum attorney fees owed for benefits which may never accrue. Davis v. Jones (Mont. 1987), 745 P.2d 362, 365, 44 St.Rep. 1859, 1862. Thus, we affirm the cross appeal. TURNAGE, C.J., and HARRISON and GULBRANDSON, JJ., concur.