Carmelo B. Sammataro

Sam Sammataro has advised and advocated on behalf of a broad spectrum of clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies at all levels of complex trial and appellate matters in the state and federal courts of South Carolina.

Throughout his career, Sam has represented automotive manufacturers, automotive component manufacturers, and the makers of various other products in multi-million dollar “bet the company” litigation. In addition, he has been involved in representing individuals and small- to medium-sized companies across a wide spectrum of complicated matters, including employers, companies, and insurers in federal and state appellate matters. Sam is honored to mentor younger lawyers in the Firm.

There are lots of great lawyers in South Carolina. What sets Sam apart and makes him a better choice is his deep desire to build client-specific knowledge, relationship, and trust and to capitalize on preparation, knowledge, and teamwork to obtain the best and most cost efficient results possible.

Sam learned early on in his clerkship years that excellence is equal parts aptitude, attitude, and work ethic, in the office, in the courtroom, and in life. With that sense of hard work and determination, Sam strives to deliver zealous representation and a deep understanding of his clients’ business and legal needs. At the same time, he honors the Firm’s commitment to professionalism and courtesy to everyone.

Automotive: Obtained summary judgment in multi-million dollar “failure to warn” automotive product liability action pending federal court; obtained dismissal of van rollover fatality case pending in federal court; obtained defense verdict in “park-to-reverse” automotive product defect action tried in federal court; obtained defense verdict in SUV rollover automotive product liability action in state court and secured affirmance on appeal.
Medical malpractice: Assisted in securing reversal of $12 million verdict in medical malpractice action; successfully moved to enforce settlement agreement in medical malpractice action.
Workers’ Compensation: Secured reversal in the SC Supreme Court of death benefit award exceeding $1 million; successfully defended on appeal employer’s right to terminate temporarily disabled employee for workplace policy violation.

University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2001
University of South Carolina, B.A., 1993

South Carolina, 2002
Supreme Court of the United States, 2011
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, 2007
United States District Court, District of South Carolina, 2003

Professional or Industry Involvement

Federal Bar Association (S. C. Chapter President 2012-2013)
Federal Bar Association (S. C. Chapter President-Elect, 2011-2012)
S.C. Defense Trial Attorneys Association (Member, 2004-present)
Defense Research Institute (Member, 2008-present)

Community or Pro Bono Involvement

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Vestry 2011-2013
Hammond School Hunt Seat Equestrian Team Asst. Coach, 2016 to present
SC Bar House of Delegates, 2016 to present

Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2018-2024
Columbia Business Magazine's "Legal Elite" in Business Litigation, 2024
Midlands Legal Elite, Consumer Products/Retail, 2020
Super Lawyers, South Carolina Rising Star, Personal Injury Defense: Products, 2012

Articles

Co-author, “Defeating Alternative Fraud and Misrepresentation Claims in Product Liability
Litigation,” International Association of Defense Counsel Newsletter, April 2005
Co-author, The Defense Line, The South Carolina Supreme Court Reaffirms the Economic Loss Doctrine, 2010
Author, “SC Attorneys’ Ethical Obligations for Data Security,” South Carolina Lawyers Weekly, December 12, 2016

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