Thom Salane offers a unique blend of litigation skills and insurance experience that has earned him recognition as one of South Carolina’s preeminent insurance lawyers.
With more than 40 years of litigation experience, Thom understands both the litigation process and the nuts and bolts of the insurance business. As a primary spokesperson for the insurance industry to the General Assembly, Thom served on the Legislative Advisory Committee re-writing and re-codifying the State’s insurance laws. Thom also served as General Counsel for South Carolina’s personal and commercial lines automobile insurance residual market mechanisms. In addition, Thom routinely represents major domestic and national insurers in complex insurance litigation, including insurance coverage issues, class action claims, bad faith actions, unfair insurance trade practices claims, reinsurance issues and governmental or regulatory matters dealing with rate and form filings, reinsurance, mergers and acquisitions.
Thom’s litigation skills are also in demand outside of the insurance arena. He has represented national pharmaceutical companies in complex litigation involving the pricing of prescription drugs. He has defended numerous businesses in environmental, mass tort and toxic or hazardous spill claims. Thom also defends professional liability claims against attorneys, insurance agents and school officials.
Thom believes that every client should be treated as if they were his only client, entitled to his full attention and best efforts. Thom challenges himself each day to focus on those tasks needed to achieve the client’s objectives and produce positive results. He understands the difference between advocacy and honesty and strives daily to deal honestly with both clients and with others in his representations. His commitment to competence and excellence is reflected in his selections to Best Lawyers in America, South Carolina Super Lawyers, Benchmark Litigation Star and the highest rating and peer review rating afforded by Martindale-Hubbell.
Committed to service beyond the law, Thom has volunteered with numerous community charities and organizations, serving as a member and chair of the Board of the Free Medical Clinic, a volunteer with the Cooperative Ministries and other organizations helping homeless individuals to become productive members of the Columbia community.
Insurance Litigation:
Professional or Industry Involvement
Community or Pro Bono Involvement