Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Brookings SD
Established in 1906, our law firm has provided continuous legal representation in Brookings, South Dakota for over a century. We offer comprehensive legal services across civil, criminal, domestic, and commercial matters, with specialized expertise in workers' compensation, personal injury, and social security disability cases. Our attorneys combine deep local knowledge with extensive courtroom experience to deliver personalized legal solutions.With a legacy of community service and professional excellence, we maintain close client relationships while adapting to evolving legal landscapes. Our team includes seasoned practitioners in insurance defense, utility regulation, and complex litigation, ensuring clients receive strategic representation tailored to their specific needs.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Social Security Disability
Estate Planning
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Defense
Real Estate Law
Probate Administration
Details
- Year established: 1906
Highlights and features
- We offer over 75 years of combined legal experience in South Dakota courts
- Our attorneys maintain close working relationships with clients throughout case progression
- We provide free initial consultations with no upfront costs for personal injury cases
- Our practice areas cover both individual and business legal needs across Eastern SD
- We combine historical expertise with modern legal strategies for optimal outcomes
Services
Workers' Compensation
Our attorneys specialize in representing South Dakota workers injured on the job. We help clients navigate the complex workers' compensation system to secure rightful benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. With extensive experience handling claims against employers and insurance companies, we ensure clients receive fair treatment while focusing on recovery. Our contingency-based representation means no upfront costs for clients.
Personal Injury
We represent clients injured through others' negligence in auto accidents, slip-and-falls, and other incidents. Our team pursues compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain suffering. With over 75 years combined experience, we handle cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and insurance disputes. Our approach combines aggressive litigation with personalized attention to maximize client recovery.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense attorneys protect clients' rights in Eastern South Dakota courts. We defend against charges ranging from DUIs to violent crimes, employing strategic defense tactics and procedural knowledge. We provide initial case evaluations, court representation, and plea negotiation services. Our focus remains on minimizing penalties and preserving clients' futures through proactive legal strategies.
Family Law
We handle all family law matters including divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our attorneys advocate for clients' parental rights and financial interests while minimizing emotional stress. We offer mediation services and litigation support for contested cases. With experience in high-net-worth divorces and complex custody arrangements, we prioritize clients' family needs.
Social Security Disability
We assist clients denied Social Security Disability benefits due to severe medical conditions. Our attorneys guide clients through appeals processes, gather medical evidence, and represent claimants at hearings. We focus on proving disability eligibility while providing compassionate support. Our contingency fee structure ensures access to legal representation regardless of financial hardship.
People
Richard J. Helsper
Of Counsel Attorney
Practicing since 1977, Richard Helsper specializes in insurance defense, commercial litigation, and utility regulation. He contributes decades of legal experience to client cases while maintaining active bar association involvement.
Don McCarty
Attorney
Don McCarty focuses on criminal defense, family law, and workers' compensation cases. With extensive courtroom experience, he advocates for clients' rights in both state and federal courts across South Dakota.
Eric N. Rasmussen
Attorney
Eric Rasmussen handles business law, estate planning, and real estate matters. He returned to the firm after serving as in-house counsel for Citibank, bringing valuable corporate legal perspective to client representation.
Reed Mahlke
Attorney
Reed Mahlke specializes in commercial litigation and real estate law. Since joining in 2009, he has developed expertise in business disputes and property transactions while maintaining active community involvement.
Jennifer Goldammer
Attorney
Jennifer Goldammer focuses on criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. Since joining in 2015, she has built a reputation for zealous client advocacy in both courtroom and negotiation settings.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a workplace injury?
Seek medical attention first, then report the injury to your employer within 14 days. Contact our firm for free guidance before speaking with insurance representatives.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
South Dakota generally allows three years from injury date, but earlier consultation ensures better evidence preservation and case preparation.
What makes your criminal defense approach effective?
We combine early case investigation, procedural knowledge, and trial experience to challenge evidence and negotiate favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
Can I modify an existing child custody arrangement?
Yes, custody modifications are possible when demonstrating substantial life changes affecting the child's best interests.
What happens if my Social Security Disability claim gets denied?
Most initial claims get denied - we handle appeals through reconsideration and administrative law judge hearings to secure rightful benefits.
Do you handle cases outside Brookings County?
Yes, we represent clients throughout Eastern South Dakota across all 17 counties covered by our practice areas.
