Carmelo B. Sammataro

Carmelo B. Sammataro

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Sam Sammataro is a highly skilled litigator with extensive experience in both complex trial and appellate matters, representing clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies in the state and federal courts of South Carolina. With a reputation for excellence, Sam has successfully handled multi-million-dollar, high-stakes cases across a variety of industries, including automotive, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation.

Sam has represented major automotive manufacturers, component manufacturers, and producers of other products in complex product liability cases. His automotive experience includes securing a summary judgment in a multi-million dollar “failure to warn” product liability case, obtaining a dismissal in a van rollover fatality case, and achieving defense verdicts in both state and federal courts. His success in these high-profile cases, combined with his ability to navigate intricate legal landscapes, has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor to large corporations and small-to-medium-sized businesses alike.

A natural mentor, Sam is passionate about guiding younger lawyers at the firm, passing on the wisdom and experience he has gained over his distinguished career. His commitment to client service, preparation, and teamwork sets him apart as a lawyer who not only meets but exceeds client expectations, achieving the most cost-effective results possible.

Sam believes that the key to success in law is a combination of aptitude, attitude, and work ethic — qualities he honed during his clerkship years and continues to apply both in and out of the courtroom. His focus on building client-specific knowledge, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining professionalism and courtesy has earned him a reputation for delivering zealous representation while upholding the firm’s commitment to excellence.

Sam’s legal skills and client-first approach have earned him several prestigious honors, including being named to Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants from 2018–2024 and being recognized in Columbia Business Magazine's "Legal Elite" for Business Litigation in 2024. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the International Association of Defense Counsel.

Sam Sammataro is a trusted advocate for clients seeking sophisticated, results-driven legal counsel, offering a blend of experience, expertise, and dedication that ensures the best possible outcomes.

  • 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

  • International Association of Defense Counsel, 2024-present
  • SC Bar House of Delegates, 2016-2024
  • Hammond School Hunt Seat Equestrian Team Asst. Coach, 2016-2022
  • Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Vestry 2011-2013
  • 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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