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Review Brooks & Crowley
September 2025
781-251-0555
brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
THE LONG ROAD BACK WHAT INJURY RECOVERY REALLY TAKES
There’s something people say a lot after a crash: “At least you’re okay.” But they really mean, “At least you’re alive.” And sure, someone might walk away without a cast or neck brace, but that doesn’t mean they’re fine. You don’t see what happens when they try to sleep or get behind the wheel and feel panic. You also don’t see what happens when they’re out of work and bills pile up on the kitchen counter faster than they can open them. That’s usually when they call us. We catch people at one of the worst moments in their lives. Sometimes, they’ve just come from the hospital. They’re stuck without a car. They’re told they need to wait two weeks for a follow-up with the doctor. Even the ones who seem physically okay often struggle. One of the first things I tell new clients is, “You don’t need to pretend with me,” because many of them do. I’ll ask, “How are you holding up?” They’ll say, “I’m good,” even when they’re not. Recovery doesn’t begin with a court date or a check. It starts when someone finally says, “I’m not okay.” That moment matters. From there, it becomes a process. We’ve seen clients push through incredible challenges. One man had spinal fusion surgery and later became a personal trainer. Another trained for and finished a marathon after an accident that nearly left him unable to walk. There are so many truly inspiring stories of courage and resolve. They didn’t get there by luck. They showed up for themselves every day. We tell clients to look for the small wins. One week, it’s walking to the mailbox without pain. The next week, it’s making it through the day without pain medication. These moments are worth celebrating. And then there’s the mental side. Some people can’t get back in the car. Others wake up from nightmares. I’ve had clients cry in my office because they blamed themselves, even when the accident wasn’t their fault, and there was nothing they could have done; their brain struggles to make sense of it. That’s when we bring in professionals. Sometimes, a few counseling sessions help people overcome the fear and regain their footing.
who sues,” even while holding X-rays of broken bones. But the truth is that the insurance company has already opened a file on you. The person who hit you has already been cited. You’re not doing anyone a favor by staying quiet — except the insurance company. But healing and recovery don’t stop when the case does. When everyone else moves on — the doctors, the insurers, the lawyers — our clients still live with the effects. I want them to be ready for that. I want them to be stronger when it’s over, not just compensated. Ultimately, recovery isn’t just about getting back to where you were. It’s about moving forward with confidence and knowing you aren’t doing it alone. –Neil Crowley
Also, outdated ideas can get in the way. People worry that filing a claim makes them look bad. They say things like, “I’m not the kind of person
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Smog, Soot, and Stubble How Bountiful Beards Became Victorian Air Purifiers
Step aside, antibiotics! In the smog-choked streets of 1850s London, where chimney smoke clung to every surface and a “fog” could linger for months, doctors championed a fuzzy solution. The prescription? Grow a beard. Not just any beard, but big, bushy, chest-brushing beards that could rival a lion’s mane. Their advice made it seem like thick, woolly beards were a frontline defense against disease. As London’s population surged past the one million mark in the mid-1800s, so did its coal consumption. Residents warmed their homes and powered the city with coal, releasing dense plumes of smoke that clung to the damp air. These weren’t your average winter mists. In 1873, one thick smog event blanketed the city, contributing to hundreds of bronchitis-related deaths. Another hung around for four months in 1879, plunging London into darkness.
Victorian physicians, caught between outdated theories and the dawn of germ science, believed thick beards could filter the noxious air swirling through the city. With coal smoke saturating the sky and mysterious illnesses lurking in every cough, they saw the beard as
a barrier and a natural air purifier, trapping invisible enemies before they reached the throat or lungs. Public speakers were even told their beards would soothe strained vocal cords! Men were reassured that their whiskers could keep sore throats at bay. noble picture of the beard. According to dermatologists and ecologists, those bodacious beards trap bacteria, food particles, and even play host to tiny squatters (aka ectoparasites). What the Victorians hailed as a filter functioned more like a germ motel! But here’s the ironic twist in this follicular fairy tale. Modern research paints a less So, while the beard boom of the 1800s was well-intentioned, it might be best remembered as a moment when style, “science,” and smog collided and the beard won (if only temporarily).
When It’s Your Word Against Theirs
Why Witnesses Matter in Accident Cases
Real-life accidents don’t play out like a movie scene. There’s no dramatic music, no instant replay, and no one’s standing by with a notebook writing everything down. That’s a problem because when it comes to proving what happened, especially in personal injury cases, the difference between winning and losing can come down to one thing: a witness. I’ve had cases where a single person stepping forward changed everything. I once went to a witness’s house 80 times trying to catch him. Not exaggerating. I knew we might lose the case if I didn’t catch him. When I finally got him to talk, and his story aligned perfectly with our client’s. It turned the tide. The truth is that most cases don’t have enough witnesses. People see something, but they keep driving, or they assume someone else will say something. Meanwhile, the injured person is left with nothing but their own words, trying to prove they didn’t cause the crash.
That’s tough, especially in parking lot accidents or lane changes where fault isn’t obvious.
We’re lucky video sometimes steps in to fill the gap. It might be a camera on someone’s doorbell or a phone recording from across the street. Even grainy footage can make a difference, but it works best when paired with a human account. I’ve seen it firsthand. In one case, a police trooper hit a client’s car right in front of their home. The cruiser caused serious damage, but it was the client’s word against the officer’s — until a neighbor’s video turned up. The video wasn’t perfect, but a witness backed it up, and that combination sealed the deal. So, if you see something, then say something. Don’t assume someone else will. Put yourself in that injured person’s shoes. Wouldn’t you want someone to step up for you? When it comes down to it, your voice might be what helps make things right.
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HOME CAFÉ VIBES THE VIRAL TREND MAKING MORNINGS MAGICAL
If your morning coffee run is the highlight of your day, you’re not alone. But what if you could bring that cozy café vibe home? That’s the idea behind the wildly popular home café trend circling the internet, where people are turning their kitchens into photo-worthy coffee and bakery pop-ups. The best part is that you can do it, too!
This trend taps into the power of cozy rituals and aesthetic spaces. It goes beyond just making a cup of coffee; it’s about creating an experience. Think rustic pastry displays, handwritten chalkboard menus, syrup pumps lined up like your favorite café, and fresh-baked muffins in a tiered stand. The vibe is charming and personal! Clear a designated “café corner” in your kitchen to get started. This doesn’t require a remodel — a small counter section or rolling cart works perfectly. Add your coffee essentials: a machine, frother, and your favorite mugs. Then, style it up! Install baskets for pastries, a tiny vase of flowers, and even a café bell for fun. If you want to go the extra mile, you can print a mini menu for your family with drink or bakery specials, try your hand at homemade syrups or infused cold foam, or even use glass jars for sugar and stirrers!
According to The Eater, an online resource for all food-related trends, the home café craze exploded as a creative outlet during the pandemic and has stuck around to slow down and make mornings feel special. Hosting “pop-ups” for your family or friends on the weekend is also incredibly fun. Set out croissants, brew something fancy, and let them “order” their drink. You don’t need to be a trained barista, just someone who enjoys making a little magic. So, whether you’re channeling cozy bakery vibes or your favorite local roaster, a home café is a great way to have fun hosting. All it takes is a little creativity, some coffee beans, and the desire to add a little extra to your routine.
Your dream café may be one kitchen counter away!
Have a Laugh!
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
Marinade •
• • •
1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ginger powder 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2/3 cup red wine
• • • • •
1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sesame oil 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat •
1 1/2 lbs flank steak
1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy! directions
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439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 The Personal Side of Injury Law
2 Beards Were a Victorian Health Hack
Testimony That Makes the Difference
3 From Countertop to Coffee Shop
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
4 Spotlight on Boston’s Fall Events
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Art, Oars, and Authors This Fall What’s on Around Boston
Fall might bring pumpkin spice and back-to- school routines, but it’s also when Boston’s art and athletic spirit really step into the spotlight. Here are three standout events to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. BOSTON PUBLIC ART TRIENNIAL — NOW THROUGH OCT. 31 Public art is everywhere in Boston this fall, thanks to The Triennial, a citywide initiative from Now + There. Large-scale outdoor installations have popped up across neighborhoods, with each one focused on themes like trust, connection, and community. This year’s theme is “The Exchange,” and it isn’t just about the art. It’s also about how people move through and interact with shared spaces. You can check out TheTriennial.org for a map and start planning your own route. Whether you visit
one destination or make a whole afternoon of it, this is a fresh way to explore the city. THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA — OCT. 17–19 There’s nothing quite like The Head of the Charles Regatta. It’s the world’s largest three- day rowing event, bringing thousands of athletes to the Charles River every October. Spectators crowd the banks to cheer on rowers as they race by against the backdrop of peak fall color. Even if you don’t know much about crew, it’s a thrilling event to attend. The energy, pace, and tradition make it one of Boston’s signature fall weekends. BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL — OCT. 25 Calling all readers — the Boston Book Festival returns to Copley Square for its 16th year, and it’s shaping up to be another great
one. The event includes author talks, panel discussions, live readings, and interactive events for kids. Vendors and pop-up booths add to the atmosphere. Admission is free, and you don’t have to be a bookworm to enjoy it. If you’re looking for something new to read or just want to spend time among people who love good stories, this is a day worth circling on the calendar.
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