On settlement of a case in which the insurance carrier admits liability for death benefits but a dispute exists as to the proper beneficiary or beneficiaries, the settlement shall be paid in periodic payments as provided by law, with a reasonable attorney's fee not to exceed 25 percent of the settlement, paid periodically, and based on time and expenses.

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.