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Workers’ COMPanion
LAW OFFICE MONAST
OCTOBER 2025
monastlaw.com | 614-334-4649 | 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Bldg 7, Suite 7179, Upper Arlington, OH 43220-2913
BECAUSE ONE TAIL WAG IS NEVER ENOUGH How a Little Scruffy Pup and a Big Bulldog Stole the Show
I’ve had dogs in my life for as long as I can remember, and every one of them has left paw prints on my heart. As a kid, my German shepherd, Lady, was my loyal sidekick and sweet as can be, but always kept a watchful eye over me. Over the years, we had all kinds of lovable mutts who’d curl up at the foot of my bed, each adding its own bit of joy to
way of changing your plans. When we inherited my father’s sweet little schnauzer mix, Abby, she reminded us how much warmth a dog brings into a home. After Abby passed, my wife started following rescue pages “just to look,” and that’s how we found Molly, a tiny, scruffy rescue with a huge personality. She’s been running the show ever since. Then came Ellie, my first female bulldog and an absolute delight. At 60 pounds, she’s a bowling ball of love and stubborn charm, but somehow Molly
the family. But somewhere along the way, English bulldogs stole my heart. With October being Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, I can’t imagine a better time to share the memories of mixed mutts and purebreds that became family. I’ve had five bulldogs so far, and while they’re not exactly “low maintenance,” their goofy personalities and big hearts more than make up for it. They’re not typically “shelter dogs,” but I know
still calls the shots. The two are inseparable, sometimes bickering over bones, sometimes napping side by side, and they’ve brought more laughter and energy into our lives than I could have imagined.
Now, with Molly, Ellie, and our 17-year-old cat, Ziva, our house is full
again. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s why Adopt a Shelter Dog Month means so much to me. You never know when the right dog will come along and change your life for the better. Whether they’re a purebred or a mystery mix, rescue dogs have a way of finding the people they’re meant to love, and when they do, they make every day a little brighter. If you’ve been considering adopting, my advice is simple: Go meet them. You just might find your new best friend and a whole new chapter of joy you didn’t even know you were missing. I can tell you from experience, you’ll never regret it.
from experience that they often need rescuing in their own way. Bulldogs can come with a laundry list of health concerns (cherry eye, breathing issues, skin problems, you name it), and unfortunately, some end up in need of new homes because of the cost and care they require. My first bulldog came into my life during my last year of law school, in the dead of winter, in a third-story walk-up apartment. Probably not my most practical decision, but that bulldog started my lifelong affection for the breed. For a while after losing our last bulldog, my wife and I thought we were done with dogs. We got used to the cleaner house, the quiet evenings, no slobbery furniture, no fur tumbleweeds rolling across the floor. But life has a funny
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ALL THE THINGS LENDERS REALLY CHECK MORE THAN JUST A CREDIT SCORE
When you apply for a loan or credit card, it’s easy to assume your credit report tells the whole story. But honestly, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Behind the scenes, lenders are looking at other details, and those can matter just as much, if not more. Here’s something that catches people off guard: The credit score you see might not be the one your lender uses. Different lenders pull reports from different credit bureaus, and many rely on customized scoring models made for their industry. That means the “good” score you see on a free app might not match a lender's number. Lenders also look at how steady your income is and how much debt you carry compared to what you earn. You could have a perfect payment history but raise red flags if your debt-to-income ratio is too high. And the kind of credit you’re applying for makes a difference, too. For instance, a mortgage or auto loan gets more scrutiny than a store credit card. Other behind-the-scenes factors also matter. Some lenders track how often you apply for new credit. If it looks like you’ve been applying everywhere, that can make them nervous. A few lenders even use internal data based on your history with them, and those things never show up in your credit report.
It’s not always obvious how much weight these things carry, but they help explain why someone with a solid score might still be denied. Your credit report matters. But so do your habits, your consistency, and the bigger story your finances tell. If you’re considering borrowing, it’s worth looking at the whole picture. Clean up your credit, yes — but also take stock of your income, budget, and how you manage what you already have.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes That Could Kill Your Claim THE TOP 5 ERRORS THAT COULD DESTROY YOUR WORKERS’ COMP CASE BEFORE IT STARTS
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GOING IT ALONE WITHOUT A LAWYER Workers’ comp law can be complex, and employers have professionals working to protect their interests. An experienced attorney understands the system, knows how to negotiate with the BWC and TPAs, and can fight to get you the maximum benefits. Many firms, including ours, work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
Getting hurt at work can turn your entire life upside down in an instant. One moment, you’re going through your regular routine, and the next, you’re facing doctor visits, time off the job, and an avalanche of paperwork you never expected. In the middle of that chaos, it’s easy to make choices, sometimes small ones, that can have costly consequences for your workers’ compensation claim. Knowing the most common pitfalls can help you protect your rights and get the benefits you deserve.
Likewise, not following your doctor’s orders can make the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) doubt your claim. Attend every appointment, follow the prescribed plan, and keep records of your progress. OVERSHARING WITH THE EMPLOYER’S THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR (TPA) Remember, the TPA works for your employer, not you. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your benefits. If you must speak with them, stick to the basics like when and where the injury happened, which body parts were affected, and any witnesses. Avoid discussing your recovery progress, pain levels, or past injuries. SIGNING PAPERS WITHOUT LEGAL GUIDANCE Settlement agreements and claim forms can have long-term consequences. Once you sign, your claim could be closed for good even if you need more treatment later. Have an experienced workers’ comp attorney review anything before you sign.
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If you’ve been injured on the job, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Contact our firm today to safeguard your rights and give your claim the best possible chance for success.
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WAITING TOO LONG TO REPORT YOUR INJURY
Even though Ohio law gives you time to file a claim, delaying your report can hurt your case. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your injury was work-related. Reporting promptly in writing creates a clear record and shows you’re taking the injury seriously from the start. SKIPPING MEDICAL CARE If you don’t seek treatment right away, it can look like your injury isn’t serious.
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ARIZONA PUP LEADS 2-YEAR-OLD TO SAFETY AND STEALS THE WORLD’S HEART GUARDIAN WITH A WAGGING TAIL
Every dog has its day, and for Buford, that day came with chew toys, snacks, and worldwide applause. The 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees was the unlikely hero of a real-life rescue story that’s warmed hearts across the globe.
“I feel like God sent that dog to rescue my son,” said Cory Allen, Boden’s father.
Scotty, amazed by his pup’s heroic act, has since been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support. “Toys, chew toys, snacks, you name it,” he told local news. “Just a little bit of everything.” Gifts have arrived from all over the world, honoring Buford’s courage and quick thinking. But that’s not all. Buford has been named an honorary member of the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team, complete with his very own vest. As for Boden, he’s back to being a typical 2-year-old, busy, curious, and (thankfully) safe. He reunited with Buford earlier this April, and something tells us they’ll always share a special bond.
When 2-year-old Boden Allen vanished from his home in Seligman, Arizona, his family launched a desperate search. As the hours ticked by, more than 40 rescuers and even a helicopter joined the effort. Still, there was no sign of Boden. “I looked at his empty bed in the middle of the night,” Sarah Allen, Boden’s mother, told KPNX, “and I’m like, ‘This isn’t real … how is he out by himself somewhere in the dark?’”
Then Buford entered the scene.
While patrolling his usual route around his owner, Scotty Dunton’s ranch, Buford discovered something unexpected: a tiny toddler sleeping beneath a tree. Acting on instinct, Buford gently led Boden back toward safety, an incredible journey that spanned about a mile, ending at Dunton’s ranch nearly 7 miles from the boy’s home.
Buford may not know he’s famous, but one thing’s for sure: He’s proven that heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they wear fur and walk on four paws.
SUDOKU
EATS WITH ELLIE
APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
INGREDIENTS Topping •
• • • • • • •
1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup milk
• •
3 Honeycrisp apples
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake •
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar
•
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, add butter for topping. Place in oven for a few minutes until melted. 3. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. 4. Cut apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and arrange them in circles, overlapping slightly until they fill the entire pan. Set aside. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. 6. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. 7. Pour batter over apple slices, smoothing as needed. 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool to room temperature, invert on a plate, and serve.
Inspired by IHeartEating.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
MUSIC, LOUNGES, AND MIDAIR DANCING
THE RISE OF PARTY PLANES
The 1970s were the golden age of commercial flying, and airlines went all out to make traveling by plane more
for anyone looking to lie down after an in-flight drink or two. And American Airlines even had a piano in the back of
than just getting from one place to another — they tried to dazzle passengers along the way. With the release of Boeing’s 747, airlines had more space to work with, so some chose to turn air travel into something closer to a night out. Air Canada was all in on the trend. On transatlantic flights between Toronto and Europe, the upper deck of their 747 became a full-on disco. Passengers danced to 8-track tunes beside mirrored walls. You could hit the dance floor even at 35,000 feet.
the plane. It wasn’t exactly a grand piano — more of a sturdy Wurlitzer organ — but it gave fliers something to gather around.
The goal of these airlines was to create a glamorous experience for passengers. But the good times didn’t last long. By the early 1980s, most airlines had traded disco lights for passenger capacity, and the lounges and passenger bars faded out. People were flying more than ever, but the party plane era quietly ended.
Still, it’s fun to look back on this period of air travel when the additional space in bigger planes meant bars, lounges, and music. For a little while, at least, flying came with cocktails, conversation, and maybe even a chance to dance down the aisle.
They weren’t the only ones, either. United Airlines turned its upper deck into the
“Friendship Room,” while Qantas called theirs the “Captain Cook Lounge.” Singapore Airlines had the “Raffles Lounge,” which came equipped with slumberettes
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