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Workers’ COMPanion
LAW OFFICE MONAST
NOVEMBER 2025
monastlaw.com | 614-334-4649 | 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Bldg 7, Suite 7179, Upper Arlington, OH 43220-2913
THANKSGIVING, HONEY-BAKED HAM, AND HELPING CLIENTS Meet Lisa and Bobbie Jo, Our Newest Legal Superstars and Thanksgiving Fans!
Hi everyone! We’re Lisa McCullough and Bobbie Jo Peters , the two newest legal assistants here at Monast Law. Since we’ve both officially survived our first year (well … almost!), we thought it was about time to introduce ourselves and share a little
been an adjustment, but it’s also so nice to really know your coworkers and feel like part of a family.
Our golden retriever and beagle keep things lively, and life is always busy between the kids, toys, and general chaos! And with Thanksgiving on the horizon, it’s set to be a full house, with even extended family coming to visit, but that’s the fun of it!
LISA: You really get to know the people you work with, and we’ve been figuring things out together, which makes the learning curve a lot
about who we are, what we do, and maybe even a favorite Thanksgiving dish or two.
less scary. It’s a big shift from my transcription world, but I’m proud of how much I’ve learned in just a few months.
BOBBIE JO: And speaking of Thanksgiving, if I were to pick my feast favorites, it would hands-down be the honey-baked ham and soft dinner rolls (I go straight for those on Christmas Day, too). Lisa’s all in on turkey and stuffing, and she even makes four pumpkin pies.
LISA: I joined Monast Law in February, so about nine months in now. Before this, I spent 20 years at another workers’ comp law firm. I knew the legal side inside and out, but being here, working directly with clients, is a whole new world. I used to spend my days doing transcription, typing up motions and forms, completely behind the scenes. Now, I’m actually talking to people, helping them navigate their cases. It’s challenging, but I love it (and I get to bug Bobbie Jo with questions all day!) BOBBIE JO: Meanwhile, I started just a month after Lisa, at the end of March. My last role was with Big Lots, handling their workers’ comp claims from the employer side. Now, I get to help injured workers directly, explain confusing rules, and be their guide through a sometimes overwhelming process. Coming from a big company to a tight-knit team has
BOBBIE JO: And it feels amazing when you can actually make a
difference for someone. We
Four! You can tell we both take our traditions seriously.
recently helped a client recover over $9,000 in working
LISA: It’s really about family, love, and a little bit of food- induced chaos. Between spending time with loved ones, helping clients, and sneaking a second slice of pie, life’s pretty sweet.
wage loss benefits she didn’t even know she had. She was over the moon, and honestly, that’s what makes this job so rewarding.
Outside the office, life’s fun, too. At home, it’s just my mom and my big ol’ dog Andy, a mix of St. Bernard and golden retriever, who also responds to the nickname Andrew Lloyd Webber. My mom moved in with me after my dad passed, and now we’re a little tag-team duo, which I wouldn’t trade for anything.
BOBBIE JO: Couldn’t have said it better myself. We’re excited to be part of Monast Law and can’t wait to keep helping clients while enjoying all the family fun along the way!
-Lisa McCullough and Bobbie Jo Peters
LISA: My house is a whole other story! I’m married with two adult kids and two grandkids.
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OR JUST FEEL PRODUCTIVE? DO BUDGETING APPS ACTUALLY HELP
Behavioral Change Made Easier Many apps teach a mindset and help users understand and align spending with values. They work on embracing true expenses, letting money age, and teaching individuals how to roll with the punches of stocks and other investments. Motivation Through Goal-Setting Whether you're saving $1,000 or planning a vacation, watching progress visually in an app keeps you motivated. Like fitness trackers, financial apps reward steady efforts with reports and nudges that reinforce positive habits.
Keeping track of your money used to mean balancing checkbooks or jotting down expenses in a notebook. Today, it's as simple as downloading an app. Budgeting tools like YNAB and Monarch promise clarity, control, and smarter spending from your phone. But as more people use these digital money managers, a fair question arises: Are these apps helping us take control of our finances, or are they just another thing to manage in an already busy life?
constant need to review and manage the details can still drain your focus and energy.
Subscription Costs and Privacy Fears Premium features aren’t free. Apps like YNAB, Simplifi, or PocketGuard cost upward of $3–$15 a month. Some free apps monetize via data sharing or ads. Even with encryption, there’s always a risk when sensitive financial data is stored digitally. Restrictive Mindsets and Stress Budgeting tools that rigidly enforce every dollar allocated can sometimes foster anxiety around spending. Users may feel guilty even for small wants, or experience friction in social settings when budget limits feel oppressive rather than helpful. The choice is yours! Many users find the sweet spot: Use an app for automatic tracking, but limit deep interaction to weekly reviews. This approach combines insight without turning your budget into a marathon slog.
THE CASE FOR ‘YOU’RE BETTER WITH APPS’
Instant Awareness and Insight Connect your accounts, and your entire spending picture comes into focus. You'll see real-time updates as purchases roll in, budget categories fill up, and savings goals progress. That kind of visibility makes it easier to spot patterns, adjust habits, and make smarter financial choices day to day, often leading to better savings or faster debt payoff.
BUT ARE YOU JUST GETTING BUSIER?
Time Sink or Digital Chore? Digging into your budget with an app can feel like opening a can of worms. There’s always another category to adjust, a mislabeled transaction to fix, or settings to fine-tune. While many users appreciate the flexibility apps offer compared to traditional spreadsheets, the
When Past Pain Meets Present Problems THE TRUTH ABOUT PREEXISTING CONDITIONS AND WORKERS’ COMP IN OHIO
For many workers, old injuries or health conditions are just part of life. Perhaps it’s a bad knee from years of running or arthritis that flares up occasionally. But what happens when a workplace accident suddenly makes things worse? Can you get workers’ compensation if your job aggravated a preexisting condition? The short answer: sometimes, yes, but it depends on the situation. WHEN WORKERS’ COMP MAY APPLY While Ohio’s workers’ compensation system doesn’t typically cover preexisting conditions alone, there are two main scenarios where benefits may be available: if your prior condition affects your ability to recover from your new injury or if the initial condition was worsened by your workplace accident. If doctors need to treat the preexisting problem in order to help you fully recover from a new work injury, workers’ comp may cover the care until the work-related injury is resolved.
If a workplace accident causes a significant worsening of an existing condition, known as a “ substantial aggravation, ” you might qualify for benefits. This must be supported by medical evidence, such as test results or diagnostic findings, not just a report of increased pain.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CANDID COMMUNICATION
If you’re experiencing a flare-up or worsening of a previous injury, it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your full medical history. Share all your symptoms, even minor ones, and give details about old injuries. This helps ensure your medical records accurately show what happened and how your condition has changed. DON’T LET INSURERS TWIST THE FACTS Self-insured employers and the BWC (which is a large insurance agency) often try to blame your current issues solely on the old injury. They may send you for “independent” exams with a doctor they choose or review your records to
weaken your claim. That’s why working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a big difference. At Monast Law Office, we’ve helped many Ohio workers navigate these challenges and secure the benefits they deserve, even when preexisting conditions were involved. If you think your job made an old condition worse, we’re here to help you fight for your rights.
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MOVE OVER LASSIE, THERE’S A GOAT ON SHEEPDOG DUTY! GOAT-IN-TRAINING GOES FULL COLLIE
SUDOKU They carried Lil into the cozy caravan that doubles as the farm’s office, where two watchful pairs of eyes were waiting. Luna and Nya, the farm’s border collies, immediately rushed over, sniffing, circling, and finally curling a mother goat bleating softly to her kids. Among the chorus, one faint cry almost went unnoticed. It came from Lil, the runt of a goat triplet who arrived in the world at just 5 inches tall and a third of the normal weight. She could fit neatly into the palm of your hand! While her sturdier sisters were already wobbling to their feet and nudging close to their mother for warmth and milk, Lil was left behind in the chill of the barn. Then, as her mother turned her attention to the stronger kids, Lil’s cries grew weaker. The staff knew she would not survive unless they intervened. On a crisp spring morning in Wiltshire, England, the barn was alive with the sounds of new life: tiny hooves tapping on straw,
themselves around the fragile newcomer. From that moment, the bond was sealed. They cleaned her, nuzzled up beside her at nap
time, and patiently showed her the ways of a working dog. Soon, the little goat who once couldn’t stand was trotting after her canine companions, learning to herd sheep just like them.
At 5 weeks old, Lil is thriving. She prefers the company of her four-legged “mums” over her goat siblings, bleating loudly if separated from her collie crew. As one farm worker put it, “She definitely thinks she’s a dog.”
Now, with her best friend Nya leading the way, Lil is training right alongside the sheepdogs. From runt to rising star, she’s proving that family isn’t always about whom you’re born to but about who shows up and loves you when you need it most.
And for Lil, that family just so happens to bark.
EATS WITH ELLIE
BAKED PINEAPPLE SALMON
A sweet and savory entree that the whole family will keep asking you to make!
INGREDIENTS •
1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice
• • • • •
4 tbsp hoisin sauce 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• • • •
2 1/2 lb side of salmon Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime slices
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
DIRECTIONS 1.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. 3.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet.
4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon. 6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
Inspired by ChefJar.com
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Phone: 614-334-4649 monastlaw.com 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Bldg 7, Suite 7179 Upper Arlington, OH 43220-2913
LAW OFFICE MONAST
Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We love helping people, and most of our clients come to us because someone they trust sent them our way. Referrals mean the world to us. They’re the biggest way we grow and keep doing good work for others. If you know someone who was hurt at work, it’s super easy to connect them to us. Just give them our phone number, 614-334-4649 , or send them to our website, MonastLaw.com . You can even call us and we’ll take care of the rest. Thank you for thinking of us. Your referrals help more than you know, and we never take that for granted. HOW TO REFER US A CASE
A WATERY WAKE-UP
PLATO’S PRE-DIGITAL TIME HACK
Members of Generation Z may find it difficult to believe that people used plug-in alarm clocks to help them get up on time in the morning. However, that seemingly archaic means of timekeeping has nothing on how people managed wake-up time before cellphones, and even electricity, as we use it today, became staples of daily life.
About a century later, Greek inventor Ctesibius of Alexandria expanded on Plato’s design by incorporating mechanics that produced sounds not unlike those of the more modern cuckoo clock. Ctesibius’s version remained popular until the pendulum clock emerged in the 1650s.
Although Plato often gets credit for creating aquatic-based alarms, some variation of the klepsydra concept allegedly dates back to at least the 16th century BCE. Archaeologists uncovered a tomb inscription detailing how an Egyptian court official of the era devised a similar system. Regardless of its definitive inventor, the water clock roused people long before phone apps, proving that nature often provides solutions to problems centuries before human technology catches up. While the water clock was undoubtedly an imaginative masterstroke, it is still reasonable to argue that the “snooze” button remains the most critical time-related creation known to man.
In the 4th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Plato created a method to ensure students at his academy, which once counted Aristotle among its pupils, woke up at the correct time every day. To perfect a foolproof system, he turned to a surprising tool: water. He constructed a set of clocks that operated using two basins. One basin would slowly empty into the other throughout the night; when the second basin was full, rattling pebbles or whistling air awakened students from their slumber. Known as klepsydra (or “water thief”) clocks, these timekeepers were astonishingly accurate.
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