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How We Started
Richard LaForme
My name is Richard LaForme, and I am the President and CEO of Justice Financial Group Inc. In February 1995, I was injured in a motor vehicle accident during the peak of a successful career spanning 15 years in the Financial Services and Insurance Industry. I was forced to stop working due to severe pain in my neck, mid-back and right hip, plus additional serious health problems. I filed a claim for weekly income benefits with my auto insurer who began paying me immediately. I also filed a claim for disability benefits with a company I represented for more than 10 years. The policy had a low monthly benefit amount and after a 30 day waiting period, that claim was also paid. Due to the success of my business, I had purchased disability insurance and business overhead insurance from another company that I represented. However, this company was liable for millions of dollars and they denied my claim without having me examined by a doctor, even after being provided with an abundance of medical evidence from a number of my treating physicians—three of whom are world renowned—who unanimously attested to me being unable to work. This company then notified the other insurers of their decision, and within days, both companies terminated my benefits. Instead of experiencing the peace of mind I thought I had purchased, my family and I were forced to embark on a journey of financial hardship, uncertainty and desperation, which eventually led to the closure of my business and the loss of our home. In addition to the financial difficulties, my family and I experienced a roller-coaster of emotions ranging from anger, frustration and worry, to overwhelming despair, hopelessness, and uncertainty about our future. To make matters worse, for more than 12 years I have been involved in a David versus Goliath legal battle against one of Canada's largest insurance companies. "Instead of experiencing the peace of mind I thought I had purchased, my family and I were forced to embark on a journey of financial hardship, uncertainty and desperation, which eventually led to the closure of my business and the loss of our home." There is however, a brighter side to my story. After learning about the plight of hundreds of thousands of people in Canada and the U.S. whose benefits have also been unjustly denied, and who face similar challenges, I decided to do something to help bring about an end to this great injustice. I thought "Wouldn't it be great if there were resources available to help people in my position?" I shared my vision with several friends, physicians and lawyers, who unanimously agreed that my idea was absolutely necessary and very timely. The concept of Justice Financial Group was born, and the company began to take shape in August 2005. As of 2008, six partners have joined me. Justice Financial Group also has a Board of Directors, independent advisors, plus several affiliates and employees, all of whom use their collective skills, ingenuity and expertise to help fulfill our mission to provide our clients and their family members with a wide variety of services and resources to support them during life's difficult times, and to help improve their overall well-being. Despite the hardships that my family and I have experienced, and the pain that I endure each day, I remain passionate about helping people in their pursuit of justice. In fact, my first-hand experience and keen understanding of the challenges faced by people in similar circumstances, and the assistance they require, has been instrumental in the development of Justice Financial Group, and the products and services that we offer. |
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