Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Brookings, SD
Established in 1906, our law firm has provided continuous legal representation in Brookings, South Dakota, evolving through generations of dedicated attorneys. We specialize in civil, domestic, and criminal matters while representing businesses in complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy issues. Our practice areas include workers' compensation, social security disability, real estate, and estate planning, serving individuals and corporations with personalized legal solutions. With over a century of combined experience, our team maintains a respected position in the community by delivering zealous advocacy and prompt service.We prioritize close client relationships to ensure tailored legal strategies that meet specific needs. Our attorneys handle cases ranging from personal injury to high-stakes commercial disputes, maintaining a legacy of excellence in South Dakota's legal landscape. We offer free initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis for select cases, ensuring accessible legal representation.
Services
Criminal Law
Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Social Security Disability
Workers' Compensation
Personal Injury
Business Law
Probate
Appeals
Details
- Year established: 1906
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of combined legal experience in South Dakota
- Our team provides personalized service through close client relationships
- We handle diverse cases from personal injury to complex commercial litigation
- Maintain a respected position in Brookings' legal community since 1906
- Offer free initial consultations with contingency fee options available
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing charges from DUIs to homicide in eastern South Dakota. We provide aggressive advocacy through all stages of criminal proceedings, protecting clients' rights during investigations, negotiations, and trials. With experience handling white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and juvenile cases, we develop strategic defenses tailored to each situation while maintaining client confidentiality.
Family Law
We handle all aspects of family law including contested divorces, child custody disputes, and spousal support negotiations. Our attorneys advocate for clients in paternity cases, adoption proceedings, and domestic violence protection orders. With experience in high-net-worth divorces and complex property division, we prioritize clients' family needs while providing realistic case assessments and courtroom representation.
Workers' Compensation
Our workers' compensation attorneys assist injured employees with claims for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. We represent clients in disputes over medical treatment, wage replacement, and permanent disability benefits. With knowledge of South Dakota's workers' compensation laws, we negotiate with insurance companies and litigate cases to secure full compensation for our clients' work-related injuries.
Social Security Disability
We help clients navigate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications and appeals for total disabilities lasting 12+ months. Our attorneys handle initial applications, reconsideration requests, and administrative hearings, focusing on medical documentation requirements and case presentation. We provide ongoing support for clients needing benefit maintenance or addressing post-award issues.
Personal Injury
We represent injury victims in auto accidents, slip-and-fall cases, and catastrophic injury claims. Our attorneys handle insurance negotiations and litigation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With experience in wrongful death cases and premises liability, we pursue maximum compensation through settlements or jury trials while maintaining compassionate client communication throughout the legal process.
People
Richard J. Helsper
Of Counsel Attorney
Practicing since 1977, Richard Helsper specializes in insurance defense, commercial litigation, and family law. He contributes extensive experience in civil litigation and utility regulation matters while maintaining active involvement in South Dakota's legal community.
Don McCarty
Attorney
Don McCarty focuses on criminal defense, family law, and workers' compensation cases. With experience since joining the firm in 1997, he represents clients in eastern South Dakota courts while maintaining a commitment to accessible legal representation.
Eric N. Rasmussen
Attorney
Eric Rasmussen practices in business law, estate planning, and commercial litigation. After serving as in-house counsel for Citibank, he returned to the firm in 2016, bringing corporate law expertise to clients throughout Brookings County.
Reed Mahlke
Attorney
Reed Mahlke has practiced since 2009 with focus areas in real estate, business law, and personal injury cases. He represents clients in commercial transactions and litigation matters while maintaining active involvement in local legal associations.
Jennifer Goldammer
Attorney
Jennifer Goldammer specializes in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. Since joining the firm in 2015, she has represented clients in domestic relations cases and criminal proceedings across eastern South Dakota.
Questions
What practice areas does Helsper, McCarty and Rasmussen handle?
We handle criminal defense, family law, workers' compensation, social security disability, personal injury, business law, real estate, estate planning, and appellate cases throughout eastern South Dakota.
Do you handle cases outside Brookings County?
Yes, we represent clients throughout eastern South Dakota, including Beadle, Brown, Codington, and Minnehaha counties, with experience in multiple state jurisdictions.
What payment options are available for legal services?
We offer contingency fee arrangements for select cases and traditional hourly billing for other legal matters. Specific fee structures are discussed during initial consultations.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Our firm traces its history to 1906 when Carl O. Trygstad began practicing law in Brookings, making us the longest continuously operating law firm in Brookings County.
Can I get legal help for both personal and business matters?
Yes, we provide services for individuals and businesses, handling matters from personal injury claims to commercial litigation and corporate transactions.
