A Palmerston woman is set to launch a book on her lengthy battle to obtain insurance benefits after being injured in an automobile accident.
So You Think You’re Covered! The Insurance Industry Rip-Off is the title of the book, which tells the story of accident victim and author Jokelee Vanderkop and her dealings with two insurance companies.
In a press release, Vanderkop states she was motivated to write the book after meeting dozens of people like herself, who she alleges “had legitimate claims that were being systematically denied by their insurers.” She ultimately won her case, but contends the emotional strain has caused many people in similar cases to drop the fight.
Vanderkop says the book outlines how to avoid costly mistakes and the steps a victim should take “to avoid being denied benefits and unfairly labelled a scammer.”
Vanderkop had just begun a career as a secondary school teacher at Norwell District Secondary School when she was injured in an automobile accident 15 years ago.
“I lost my career,” due to chronic pain and other issues related to the accident, she says.
The self-published book also outlines the coping strategies Vanderkop used to survive financially without any income and how she successfully battled depression during the dispute and continues to fight chronic pain disorder, an incurable cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The official launch of the book takes place Sept. 14 at Mapleton’s Organic Dairy, 8548 Wellington Road 7, from 2 to 4pm. Books are now available for $25 at the Bookshelf in Guelph, at the launch, or may be ordered through Vanderkop’s website www.deniedbenefitclaims.com. There will be entertainment by local musicians during a book-signing session. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to help artists, artisans and musicians in the local community who do not have a fixed income, and those no longer able to work due to illness.
