Opinion ID: 880034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: partial conversion of benefits to lump sum

Text: Although benefits generally are to be paid on a periodic basis, § 39-71-741, MCA (1983) allows lump sum awards if they would be to the claimant's best interests. Utick v. Utick (1979), 181 Mont. 351, 355, 593 P.2d 739, 741. Lump sums also may be made to clear up a claimant's outstanding debts or to satisfy her pressing needs. Belton v. Carlson Transport (Mont. 1986), 714 P.2d 148, 150, 43 St.Rep. 286, 288; Willoughby v. Arthur McKee & Co. (1980), 187 Mont. 253, 257, 609 P.2d 700, 702. This Court will not, however, disturb a denial of lump sum unless the claimant can show an abuse of discretion. Krause v. Sears Roebuck & Co. (1982), 197 Mont. 102, 107, 641 P.2d 458, 460; Ruple v. Peterson Logging Co. (Mont. 1984), 679 P.2d 1252, 1254, 41 St.Rep. 704, 706.