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Review Brooks & Crowley
February 2023
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
What Happens After a Personal Injury Claim? THE DECISION IS UP TO YOU
Some of us know what to expect when going through a personal injury claim. If you have an attorney, they will guide you through the process, advise you on the best avenues to take, what to look out for, and if an offer from a car insurance company is worth taking. But there isn’t much information on what happens after your personal injury claim is resolved. Once you sign on the dotted line and receive your settlement, it may seem like your personal injury experience is finished — but it’s not. While car insurance companies and attorneys will begin to work on other cases, you may live with your injury for the rest of your life. I always tell my clients that once their claim is finalized, everyone will go their separate ways. Therefore, we must take preventive measures to ensure they get the compensation they deserve and the treatment they need. I always suggest my clients don’t settle a claim prematurely. You’ll need to consider the rest of your life. Because of this, I implore clients to seek specialized medical help and diagnostic testing as soon as practicable after an injury.
when necessary. Some people need a “tuneup” with a chiropractor or acupuncturist. Others benefit from a few sessions of physical therapy every so often. Many people see great results from a regular yoga practice.
“Once you sign on the dotted line and receive your settlement, it may seem like your personal injury experience is finished — but it’s not.”
At the beginning, it may seem like a daunting challenge to get back to a pre-accident lifestyle, but I promise you not all hope is gone. I’ve worked with clients who have completed marathons, triathlons, and other high- endurance activities after being involved in accidents. Others have gone on to become personal trainers and fitness instructors. These clients had back and leg injuries, some had spine surgery, and while they couldn’t run or bike for a while, they are back to doing what they love.
Seeing a doctor, undergoing tests, and even going to physical therapy or a chiropractor may help your settlement, but more importantly, it also helps your overall health in the future. I would hate for a client to experience future pain due to an accident and pay out of pocket for surgeries
Some clients haven’t continued treatment because they fear their insurance providers won’t cover the expenses. But rest assured, your health insurance can cover your additional treatment.
or treatment. My biggest professional fear is resolving a case early and finding out my client later needed surgery and is in worse shape than when we resolved the claim. Fortunately, this has never happened to a client of mine but I have heard many such stories over the years.
So, what happens after your personal injury case is finalized? You go back to living
your life. But it’s up to you if you decide to continue treatment or perform exercises that will help you improve your joints, tendons, and muscles. We want to see you return to form. It is wonderful to hear of people thriving after a major setback. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions about what happens after your claim is resolved and what your next steps should be. I am happy to provide strategies and help you
While participating in proper medical treatment during your claim is always good, it’s essential that you continue to monitor your health after your case is resolved. Your body can drastically change when you suffer injuries due to an accident. It can take an extended time to fully recover and get back to doing things you used to do. The best way to get back to 100% — or as close as possible — is by staying active and seeking treatment
get to where you want to be.
–Neil Crowley
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STAY SAFE ONLINE! GUARD YOUR PRIVACY AND PEACE OF MIND
Fines These range widely, but a misdemeanor conviction can result in minor fees of a few hundred dollars or possibly up to $1,000. At the same time, felony convictions can have fines of up to $100,000. Jail or Prison If someone is convicted of a specific cybercrime, they can face jail or prison sentences. The most severe crimes can even result in a prison sentence of 20 years or more. Probation Depending on the case, a person can be on probation for a year or more and need to report to a probation officer, pay court costs and fines, or maintain employment. Though technology can make life a little easier, there are dangers we must avoid. So, create strong passwords, keep your systems updated, and be mindful of the information you’re giving out.
We live in a digital world where everything can be found online. Whether it’s storing data or gaining access to information, we tend to use the internet constantly. With so many innovations and new technologies being created, it’s no surprise that cybercrimes are becoming more frequent than ever.
• • • •
Theft of financial or card payment data
Theft and sale of corporate data
Infringing copyright
Selling illegal items online
As more business transactions, such as paying bills, shopping, and trading, have moved online, cybercrimes have affected more people than ever before.
What are cybercrimes? Cybercrimes are criminal
Unfortunately, the ill effects often lead to extreme financial ruin for businesses and individuals. What happens if you’re found guilty of cybercrimes? Laws have been made to address criminal behavior that involves computers, computer systems, and the
activities that involve computers, networked devices, or networks. These are typically committed by cybercriminals or hackers looking for ways to steal information, damage computers or networks, or make a profit — whether personal or political.
internet. In fact, each state has its requirements and potential penalties depending on the type of crime — and penalties may be severe, even for first-time offenders.
Some types of cybercrimes include:
• •
Email and internet fraud
Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used)
The penalties could include the following:
Look Both Ways Before Crossing 4 Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are rising in the U.S. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), drivers hit and killed 7,485 pedestrians in 2021. As more information is released about this, we have more insight about the common causes of pedestrian accidents. Here are four reasons you should be aware of. Distracted Driving Distracted driving causes 14%–17% of all crashes and is one of the main reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. When drivers pay attention to their phones, stereos, food, grooming habits, and other people in the car (among other things), they aren’t keeping their eyes on the road. If a driver does something other than keeping their undivided attention on the road, they can fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street or stopping at a crosswalk. Distracted Pedestrians While most people focus on distracted driving, distracted walking is equally dangerous. If you’re looking down at your phone while traveling on foot, you could run into another individual, a building, signs, light posts, or, even worse, oncoming traffic. With distracted walking, you could also engage in unsafe crossing behaviors like not waiting at a
crosswalk, failing to look both ways or jaywalking. Additionally, running across the road when there is oncoming traffic is seriously dangerous. Speeding Have you ever seen people speed past you on the road or run a stoplight? When you’re speeding, your reaction time is delayed because you can’t pay attention quickly enough to what’s happening around you. If someone pulls out or walks in front of you, you may not be able to stop in time. Stopping in the Middle of Traffic to Let Someone Cross We’ve all seen it — there’s heavy traffic on the road, and either a pedestrian or another car is trying to turn, move into another lane, or enter your lane. While you may stop to allow pedestrians or the other driver through to be nice, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Yes, you might have stopped to let others through, but that doesn’t mean other drivers are paying attention. If you or someone you know suffered injuries from a car or pedestrian accident, please contact your friends at Brooks & Crowley. We can help you file a personal injury claim and receive the compensation you deserve.
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The Story of Cher Ami How One Pigeon Saved 194 American Soldiers
many dogs and pigeons became responsible for delivering messages of high importance. Of all the animals used during World War I, one pigeon named Cher Ami defied the odds to save nearly 200 American soldiers. On Oct. 2, 1918, Major Charles Whittlesey got trapped along the side of a hill in Northeastern France with 550 of his men. They ended up behind enemy lines with no food or ammunition, and — to make matters worse — his battalion started to suffer from friendly fire since allied troops remained unaware of their location. With nowhere to run, Whittlesey tried to send runners to contact the allies about their predicament. Unfortunately, their enemies consistently intercepted or killed these runners until only 194 men remained. Whittlesey decided to dispatch messages by pigeon. The first pigeon got shot down almost immediately, so he sent a second pigeon with the message, “Men are suffering. Can support
be sent?” That one also got shot. Finally, Whittlesey turned to his last pigeon, Cher Ami, and scribbled down a quick note on onion paper that read, “We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it.” Cher Ami took flight, but even after being shot down by the Germans, the bird defied the odds and actually took flight again! The effective delivery of this message helped save 194 men, but Cher Ami did not escape unharmed. He had been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and had a leg hanging only by a tendon. Army medics treated Cher Ami enough so he could travel to America, where he eventually succumbed to his wounds. The bird was then taxidermied and displayed in the Smithsonian, where you can still see him today. So, the next time you’re in Washington, D.C., stop by the “Price of Freedom” exhibit at the National Museum of American History where you can personally see this brave pigeon.
Animals have always played a role in military efforts during wartime. Cats were kept aboard naval ships for pest control, horses and camels provided transportation for supplies and soldiers pre-World War II, and dogs are still used to this day for search and rescue efforts as well as mine detection. But one animal profession became obsolete with the advancement of communication technology: messenger. Often used during World War I,
Curried Steak With Scallion Rice and Peas
Have a Laugh!
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
• 1 lb flank steak, room temperature Ingredients
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and light-green parts separated from dark-green tops • 8 oz sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved on the bias
• Kosher salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp massaman curry paste, divided • 1 1/4 cups white rice • 2 1/2 cups water, divided
directions
1. Season steak with salt and pepper. Brush with 1 tbsp curry paste, and let stand 10 minutes. 2. In a saucepan, combine rice, 1 3/4 cups water, 1 tbsp oil, and 3/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 15 minutes before adding white and light-green scallions. Cover to steam. 3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in 1 tbsp oil. Add the steak, flipping once; cook this for 7–9 minutes, then transfer to a carving board. 4. Reduce the skillet to medium heat, then add 1 tbsp oil and the remaining 2 tbsp curry paste. Cook this for 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup water and cook until reduced, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and cover. 5. Wipe skillet clean, then add remaining 1 tbsp oil. While stirring, add snap peas. Season with salt and cook this until crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes. 6. Fluff rice before stirring in scallion tops. Slice steak against the grain, then serve with rice, peas, and curry sauce.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE
1 This Is My Biggest Professional Fear
2 Understanding Internet Crime Laws
Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasing
3 The Unlikely Heroics of Cher Ami
Curried Steak With Scallion Rice and Peas
4 February Local Events
What’s Going On, Boston? 3 February Events
While you may know what you’re doing for Valentine’s Day, do you know what you’re doing for the rest of February? If not, then check out some of these events going on this month! There is something for everyone to enjoy. From watching your child’s favorite Disney characters on ice to cheering on the Boston Bruins and listening to others’ bizarre stories, the possibilities are endless this month! Family Fun Featuring Mirabel and Elsa
make some noise for the black and gold. While buying your ticket to the game, don’t forget to purchase a parking pass as well. The Moth StorySLAM: Bizarre Feb. 28 Arts at the Armory 191 Highland Ave #1c, Somerville WBUR.org/events/813186/the-moth- storyslam-bizarre Do you have a bizarre story you would like to tell? Or do you want to listen to others as they share their stories and experiences? If you said yes to one or both of these questions, then you will love attending WBUR’s The Moth StorySLAM open-mic night. Now is your chance to share and hear five-minute stories about bizarre things that have happened to them or their loved ones.
help from Elsa as she stops the eternal winter, dream about summer with Olaf, and sing with Kristoff and Sven. Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators Feb. 20 TD Garden
Feb. 22–26 TD Garden 100 Legends Way DisneyOnIce.com/tickets
Disney on Ice will feature two of the most popular movies that have taken the world by storm — “Frozen” and “Encanto.” During this show, you’ll get to celebrate the love of family by singing and dancing along with Mirabel and her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. You’ll also get
100 Legends Way NHL.com/bruins
A Monday night game may mean cheaper ticket prices to see the red-hot Bruins. Come out and
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