At Smith Barkett Law Group, our Tulsa stabbing lawyer understands how devastating it is to lose a loved one to a violent crime. A stabbing is one of the most shocking and painful tragedies a family can face. According to recent data, knife-related homicide cases make up a significant share of violent deaths in Tulsa and across Oklahoma. Beyond any criminal trial, families may also file a civil wrongful death claim to hold those responsible financially accountable.
We help families seek justice and financial recovery after such a traumatic loss. Our law firm provides both compassion and legal strength. We guide families through this difficult time with care, focus, and commitment to their right to justice.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we fight to help families rebuild after a loved one’s death caused by a stabbing or other violent act. We know that no legal action can undo the tragedy, but it can bring accountability and closure. Our attorneys are deeply committed to securing justice and financial stability for surviving family members.
We pursue every available path under Oklahoma law to hold the defendant, property owners, or other negligent parties responsible. Whether the stabbing occurred during a crime, at a business, or in a private setting, we examine all the circumstances surrounding the killing. Our goal is to obtain fair compensation for lost income, emotional pain, and future security.
We work closely with clients throughout the process, combining compassion with determination. Families can trust us to defend their rights and seek the best possible outcome.
A wrongful death claim from a stabbing is different from a criminal case. The criminal side focuses on guilt and punishment, while the civil case seeks financial recovery for the family.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families understand their options after a murder or negligent homicide. Our team uses evidence from the police, prosecutor, and courtroom to build a strong civil case for compensation.
A civil lawsuit does not decide whether a person is guilty of murder. Instead, it focuses on whether the defendant’s actions caused the death and the family’s financial and emotional losses. The burden of proof is also different—civil cases rely on a “preponderance of evidence,” while criminal trials require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
This difference means a family can win a civil case even if the prosecutor fails to secure a conviction in criminal court. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we work with investigators, witnesses, and experts to gather strong evidence. We use these facts to prove responsibility and recover fair compensation for your family.
| Key Difference | Criminal Case | Civil (Wrongful Death) Case |
| Purpose | To punish the offender for committing a crime such as murder | To seek financial compensation for the victim’s family |
| Burden of Proof | “Beyond a reasonable doubt” (very high standard) | “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not) |
| Who Files the Case | The state prosecutor or district attorney | The victim’s family or personal representative |
| Possible Outcome | Guilty, not guilty, or sentenced to prison or probation | Award of damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional pain |
| Focus | The defendant’s intent and violation of criminal law | The impact on the family and financial accountability |
| Example | First-degree murder or manslaughter charges | Wrongful death lawsuit against the defendant |
This clear separation between the two systems allows families to seek justice even when criminal courts fall short. Our law firm stands ready to pursue the civil side of your case with compassion, evidence, and strength.
Under Oklahoma law, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit belongs to a personal representative of the victim’s estate. This representative files on behalf of the surviving family members. Eligible survivors typically include the victim’s spouse, children, or parents.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we guide families through the filing process, ensuring that every step complies with state law. We help them understand their rights, gather evidence, and prepare for court proceedings. Our goal is to reduce their stress while we focus on achieving justice for their loved one.
Families who lose a loved one to a stabbing face sudden financial and emotional hardship. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help them recover fair compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. These damages are meant to ease the burden caused by the loss and provide a sense of security for the future.
Our attorneys review every detail of the case to determine the full value of the claim. We consider how the victim’s death has affected the family’s income, daily life, and emotional well-being. With compassion and determination, we fight to secure the maximum recovery available under Oklahoma law.
| Type of Recoverable Damage | Description |
| Funeral and Burial Expenses | Covers the costs of the funeral, burial, or memorial services. |
| Medical Costs | Pays for any medical treatment the victim received before passing. |
| Lost Income and Benefits | Compensates the family for wages, benefits, and financial support the victim would have provided. |
| Loss of Companionship and Guidance | Recognizes the emotional pain of losing a loved one’s care, advice, and presence. |
| Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress | Acknowledges the suffering, grief, and trauma experienced by surviving family members. |
| Loss of Household Services | Reimburses for the everyday contributions the victim made to the home and family. |
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we know these losses reach far beyond money. Our job is to fight for justice, accountability, and the stability your family needs to move forward.
In some murder cases, a property owner or business may share responsibility for the death. This happens when their negligence contributes to the violent act. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we investigate whether unsafe conditions, poor lighting, or a lack of security allowed the serious offense to occur.
Our Tulsa murder defense lawyers and civil team understand the legal connection between safety failures and preventable harm. We hold negligent third parties accountable for putting human lives at risk. By uncovering these details, we help families seek justice and prevent future tragedies.
A property owner can face liability if their negligence allows a foreseeable violent act to occur. Poor lighting, broken locks, or the absence of cameras or guards can create an unsafe environment where violence becomes likely.
Examples of negligent security include:
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we prove that a property owner’s lack of care helped cause a homicide or unlawful killing. We fight to hold them accountable so that other families don’t suffer the same loss.
The concept of foreseeability means that if an owner knew—or should have known—that violence was likely, they may be liable for failing to prevent it. A history of assaults or stabbings on a property makes it foreseeable that another attack could occur.
Our attorneys review police reports, 911 calls, and security records to show that the property owner ignored clear danger signs. We gather witness statements and expert opinions to prove negligence beyond doubt.
By showing that the violent act was predictable and preventable, we help families recover compensation while pushing for safer community standards.
Families who lose a loved one to a stabbing may recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. These damages are meant to ease the financial and emotional impact of the loss. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help clients pursue full recovery for both economic and non-economic harm.
Available compensation may include:
Our attorneys understand that no lawsuit can replace one human being. But a successful claim can help the family member find closure and stability after this tragic offense.
A complete and independent investigation is vital in every murder defense or civil claim. While the prosecution and judge focus on criminal guilt, a civil investigation aims to uncover negligence that others might overlook.
We act fast to collect:
Our goal is to prove the facts before they fade or are lost. This detailed approach helps us build strong cases for families while preserving their right to seek justice.
Under Oklahoma law, families typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this strict deadline can prevent you from ever recovering damages.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we encourage families to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a tragedy. Acting quickly ensures that vital evidence is preserved and that your family’s legal rights remain protected under the law.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we know how complex and emotional homicide charges and stabbing cases can be. Families deserve a law firm that combines compassion with legal strength. We have the experience, resources, and determination to handle these sensitive cases with care and precision.
Our attorneys understand what families face after a sudden and violent death. Whether the accused faces murder charges, second-degree murder, or even the death penalty, we help families seek justice in civil court. We focus on accountability, recovery, and peace of mind for those left behind.
We treat every client with empathy and respect. Losing someone to a homicide is life-changing, and we know that legal action can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process easier by offering honest guidance and clear communication.
We:
At Smith Barkett Law Group, we believe compassion and legal skill must work together. Our focus is always on helping families find answers, closure, and hope.
We have the tools and experience needed to build strong cases in even the most challenging situations. Our attorneys work with investigators, security experts, and forensic professionals to uncover the truth. We collect and analyze all available evidence to prove negligence and responsibility.
We:
With this approach, we help families pursue justice while honoring their loved one’s memory.
Can we sue if the assailant is unknown or was acquitted in criminal court?
Yes. Even if the accused is found innocent or the case is dismissed, families can still file a civil lawsuit. The burden of proof is lower in civil court than in criminal trials.
What if the stabbing occurred at a bar, nightclub, or apartment complex?
Property owners may face liability for unsafe conditions. If poor security allowed the attack, we can hold them accountable for negligence.
How is a wrongful death settlement distributed to the family?
Compensation is divided among eligible family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, under Oklahoma law.
What is the role of a personal representative in the lawsuit?
The representative files the claim, works with attorneys, and ensures that all penalties and damages are distributed properly.
How long does a civil wrongful death case for a stabbing typically take?
Most cases take several months to a few years, depending on the evidence, the defense, and whether the defendant is convicted or arrested.
What are your fees for handling a stabbing case?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation. Our focus is on results, not billing.
At Smith Barkett Law Group, our law firm is dedicated to helping families find justice and stability after a stabbing. We know the pain of losing one human being to violence cannot be measured, but the law can offer accountability.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options. Families pay no fees unless we win compensation on their behalf. You don’t have to face this alone. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact Smith Barkett Law Group now to speak with an experienced and compassionate Tulsa stabbing lawyer.
"*" indicates required fields
