Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Ann Christensen, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Stanton Welch, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Jennifer Tellepsen

Beck Redden secured a major appellate win for the families of several prominent Houston community members killed in a 2019 plane crash near Kerrville. The crash resulted from the negligence of the pilot, a Raymond James & Associates employee who was flying prospective clients and their professionals in his personal aircraft. The key dispute on appeal centered on whether the pilot acted within the course and scope of his employment.

Beck Redden attorneys Russell S. Post, John S. Adcock, and Jake McClellan first provided critical legal and strategic advice to plaintiffs’ trial counsel during the Harris County jury trial. The jury unanimously found the pilot acted in the course of his employment, establishing vicarious liability for Raymond James.

Our team then led the appellate effort, obtaining affirmance of the trial judgment from the First Court of Appeals (714 SW3d 886, issued March 31, 2025). When Raymond James petitioned the Texas Supreme Court for review, Beck Redden successfully defended the victory, resulting in denial of the petition on December 19, 2025. This fully finalizes the judgment, delivering justice and closure for the families after years of litigation.

This result underscores Beck Redden’s appellate prowess in high-stakes wrongful death and vicarious liability matters, protecting jury verdicts through every level of Texas courts.

25-0398 – Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Ann Christensen, Individually and as Independent Executor of The Estate of Scott Reagan Miller, Deceased, et al.; from Harris County; 1st Court of Appeals District (01-23-00193-CV, 714 SW3d 886, 03-31-25)

25-0399 – Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Stanton Welch; from Harris County; 1st Court of Appeals District (01-23-00194-CV, ___ SW3d ___, 03-31-25)

25-0401 – Raymond James & Associates, Inc. v. Jennifer Tellepsen, Individually, as Dependent Administrator of The Estate of Marc Tellepsen, Deceased, et al.; from Harris County; 1st Court of Appeals District (01-23-00195-CV, 714 SW3d 886, 03-31-25)