At Smith Barkett Law Group, our Tulsa shooting lawyer helps families seek justice after losing someone to gun violence. A shooting is one of the most painful and confusing experiences a family can endure. According to the Tulsa Police Department, violent crime, including shootings, continues to affect many local neighborhoods and families. In these cases, families may have the right to pursue a civil wrongful death claim in addition to any criminal charges.
Our law firm stands beside victims’ families, helping them find justice through the civil court system. We understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but holding the at-fault parties accountable can help bring peace, stability, and closure.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we are committed to helping families find justice after a shooting death. We know that these cases are not just about laws—they are about lives, pain, and accountability. Our experienced attorneys take every step to uncover the truth, whether the shooting involves a Tulsa police officer, a private security guard, or a property owner who failed to provide proper protection.
We fight to hold all responsible parties accountable, including employers, landlords, or anyone whose negligence led to a death. Our goal is to help families secure financial recovery for medical bills, funeral expenses, and emotional loss.
We approach each case with compassion and strength. Our team works closely with families to guide them through the justice system, explaining each step of the legal process clearly and carefully. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we believe every family deserves the truth—and we fight to make sure they get it.
A wrongful death claim in a shooting is not the same as a criminal case. It focuses on the negligence or wrongful act that caused the death, not just criminal intent. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families pursue justice through civil action, even when the justice system does not bring criminal charges.
Families like the Crutcher family, who lost Terence Crutcher, understand how complex and emotional these cases can be. Our goal is to help families find truth, accountability, and the compensation they deserve.
A civil case and a criminal case serve different purposes in Oklahoma law. Criminal charges, such as those once faced by Officer Betty Shelby after Crutcher’s death, focus on guilt and punishment. Civil cases, however, aim to recover monetary damages for families left behind.
We help families understand these differences and how both can move forward together. In civil court, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. This means a family can win a civil lawsuit even if the district attorney does not secure a criminal conviction.
We also gather strong video evidence, audio recordings, and police reports to build a clear and truthful account of what happened at the scene.
Under Oklahoma law, certain family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit after a shooting. This legal right usually belongs to a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, acting on behalf of close family members. Those eligible may include:
Our firm supports families like Tiffany Crutcher, Crutcher’s twin sister, and others who seek justice for loved ones shot and killed by police or civilians. We help them through every step of the case, from gathering video footage and helicopter video to organizing a strong legal claim in Tulsa County court.
In some shooting deaths, more than one person or group may share legal responsibility. This is called third-party liability. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we investigate every angle to find out who contributed to the tragedy beyond the shooter.
Possible liable parties include:
We also review the actions of law enforcement, including Tulsa police, police helicopter crews, and drug recognition experts involved in incidents like Crutcher’s death. Our team examines every piece of video, press conference statement, and news report from ABC News, NBC News, and the Associated Press to uncover the full truth.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we stand with families who have lost loved ones to unarmed shootings and systemic failures. We believe every unarmed black man deserves justice, and every family deserves answers.
Families who lose a loved one to a gunshot may recover financial and emotional damages through a civil case. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families seek full and fair compensation for their loss. These damages aim to restore stability and provide security after such a tragedy.
Recoverable compensation may include:
We know that no amount of money can replace a life. But accountability and fair compensation can help families heal and rebuild after devastating loss.
Every shooting requires a complete and independent investigation. Relying only on the Tulsa Police Department or criminal court findings may not uncover all the facts. A civil case looks deeper into potential negligence and policy failures that criminal courts might overlook.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we act quickly to secure all available evidence. We preserve videos released by media outlets like the Tulsa World, body camera recordings, and eyewitness statements. We also examine video footage showing events like when someone walks toward his SUV and is struck by a bullet.
Our team reviews the actions of all officers involved, including Officer Shelby, Tyler Turnbough, and others, who were placed on paid administrative leave or paid leave after the incident. We also study the defense arguments from Shelby’s attorney, Scott Wood, to identify inconsistencies that may reveal negligence.
Under Oklahoma law, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently block your right to seek justice.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families file their claims quickly and correctly. We gather evidence, locate witnesses, and review police and news conference reports to ensure every filing meets the legal requirements. Acting fast helps protect your family’s rights and preserves critical evidence needed for your case.
Can we sue if the shooter is never caught?
Yes. Families can still file a wrongful death lawsuit even if the suspect is never found. We investigate all possible leads, including negligent property owners or third parties who may have contributed to the shooting.
What if the shooting happened at a business or apartment complex?
If the location lacked proper security or lighting, the owner may be liable. We reviewed the released video, witness statements, and police reports to determine responsibility.
Can we file a lawsuit if the shooter was convicted in criminal court?
Yes. A civil lawsuit is separate from criminal court. Even if someone is found guilty or sentenced, families may still pursue damages for their loss.
What if the shooting was deemed self-defense?
We examine all video footage, audio recordings, and evidence from news conferences and the Tulsa World. Many so-called “self-defense” claims fail under close review.
How long does a wrongful death lawsuit for a shooting typically take?
These cases vary. They may take months or years, depending on the investigation, the defense, and available evidence.
How are your legal fees handled for these cases?
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay no legal fees unless we win. Our goal is to deliver justice, not add to your financial burden.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families rebuild their lives after tragedy. We know the pain of losing a loved one to a shooting can never be undone. But through legal action, we can help you find answers and hold those responsible accountable.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to review your case and explain your rights. Families pay no fees unless we recover compensation. Let us help you seek the accountability and justice you deserve. Contact Smith Barkett Law Group now to speak with a compassionate Tulsa shooting lawyer who will stand with you every step of the way.
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