We win.
Change follows.

Nelson Waneka is a two-time winner of Colorado Lawyer of the Year in Insurance Law. 5280 Magazine has named him a top insurance lawyer five years in-a-row. And he's secured some of the largest personal injury and insurance bad faith verdicts in the state. He's the lawyer that other lawyers hire when they need to win.

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Western Slope State Of Mind

Western Slope State Of Mind

Our Founder, Nelson Waneka, started Western Slope Law because the people who call this place home shouldn't have to go to Denver to find one of the best lawyers in the state.

From catastrophic injury cases to insurance bad faith claims, Nelson has dedicated his life to holding wrongdoers accountable and securing life-changing settlements or verdicts for his clients—including several approaching or exceeding $20,000,000. In addition to this, Nelson has handled more than 100 appeals in Colorado state and federal courts, resulting in dozens of landmark decisions that changed Colorado law for the better.

Like you, Nelson and his family call the Western Slope home.

Our Founder, Nelson Waneka, started Western Slope Law because the people who call this place home shouldn't have to go to Denver to find one of the best lawyers in the state.

From catastrophic injury cases to insurance bad faith claims, Nelson has dedicated his life to holding wrongdoers accountable and securing life-changing settlements or verdicts for his clients—including several approaching or exceeding $20,000,000. In addition to this, Nelson has handled more than 100 appeals in Colorado state and federal courts, resulting in dozens of landmark decisions that changed Colorado law for the better.

Like you, Nelson and his family call the Western Slope home.

An Unwavering Commitment To Our Craft

We've obtained some staggering victories for our clients, and they weren't by accident. At Western Slope Law, we play to win. We take fewer cases. We litigate them right. Quality isn't just important to us—it's everything. When you see us in action, we want you to be glad that we're your lawyer and not theirs.

It's All About You

It's All About You

You only get one chance to win your case. If you choose to hire Western Slope Law with respect to a personal injury or insurance claim, you're important to us. You can expect that your calls and emails will be returned promptly. If you want to meet in person, over the phone, or via Zoom—we'll make it happen. You can expect to be on a first-name basis with our Founder, Nelson Waneka, who will personally handle every aspect of your case from start to finish.

You only get one chance to win your case. If you choose to hire Western Slope Law with respect to a personal injury or insurance claim, you're important to us. You can expect that your calls and emails will be returned promptly. If you want to meet in person, over the phone, or via Zoom—we'll make it happen. You can expect to be on a first-name basis with our Founder, Nelson Waneka, who will personally handle every aspect of your case from start to finish.

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Serious Results For Serious Cases

We don't ever want to be the lawyer you see in a TV commercial. By limiting the number of cases we take and pursuing them well, we've had some very happy clients indeed. Whether it's for personal injuries or insurance claims, Nelson has secured a long list of multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients.

Don't Settle For Less

Don't Settle For Less

Personal injuries and insurance losses can affect every part of your life. When you're picking up the pieces after a tragic event, the last thing you want to do is deal with an insurance company whose only goal is to pay you as little as possible.

A study conducted by the Insurance Research Council concluded that, on average, injured people who hire a lawyer settle their claims for 3.5 times more than people who try to go it alone. And not all lawyers are the same.

You won't find another law firm on the Western Slope more versed in insurance than us. When we talk, insurance companies listen. Let us take it from here.

Personal injuries and insurance losses can affect every part of your life. When you're picking up the pieces after a tragic event, the last thing you want to do is deal with an insurance company whose only goal is to pay you as little as possible.

A study conducted by the Insurance Research Council concluded that, on average, injured people who hire a lawyer settle their claims for 3.5 times more than people who try to go it alone. And not all lawyers are the same.

You won't find another law firm on the Western Slope more versed in insurance than us. When we talk, insurance companies listen. Let us take it from here.

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Cases We Handle

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Dog Attack Insurance Claim

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Dog attack claims can result in severe injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a dog attack lawyer. This article xplores the causes of dog attacks, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a dog attack lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Construction Injury Lawyer

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Construction injuries can result in serious harm, often necessitating legal assistance for compensation claims. This article examines the nature of construction injuries, the challenges faced by victims, and the crucial role of a construction injuries lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

white and black no smoking sign

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Liability insurance claims can present significant legal challenges for individuals and businesses. This article delves into what liability insurance claims entail, why having legal representation is essential, and how a liability insurance claims lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

Freelancer

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims can present significant challenges for individuals involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. This article examines the complexities of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, common issues faced by claimants, and the vital role of a uninsured/underinsured motorist claims lawyer in securing rightful compensation for accident victims.

Freelancer

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Medical insurance claims can be complex and overwhelming for individuals dealing with health issues. This article explores the intricacies of medical insurance claims, common challenges faced by claimants, and the crucial role of a medical insurance claims lawyer in advocating for the rights of individuals seeking coverage for medical expenses.

Skiing Accident Lawyer

Jun 26, 2025

Personal Injury

Ski accidents can lead to serious injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a ski accidents lawyer. This article explores the causes of ski accidents, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a ski accidents lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Dog Attack Insurance Claim

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Dog attack claims can result in severe injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a dog attack lawyer. This article xplores the causes of dog attacks, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a dog attack lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Construction Injury Lawyer

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Construction injuries can result in serious harm, often necessitating legal assistance for compensation claims. This article examines the nature of construction injuries, the challenges faced by victims, and the crucial role of a construction injuries lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

white and black no smoking sign

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Liability insurance claims can present significant legal challenges for individuals and businesses. This article delves into what liability insurance claims entail, why having legal representation is essential, and how a liability insurance claims lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

Freelancer

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims can present significant challenges for individuals involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. This article examines the complexities of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, common issues faced by claimants, and the vital role of a uninsured/underinsured motorist claims lawyer in securing rightful compensation for accident victims.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Dog Attack Insurance Claim

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Dog attack claims can result in severe injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a dog attack lawyer. This article xplores the causes of dog attacks, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a dog attack lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Construction Injury Lawyer

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Construction injuries can result in serious harm, often necessitating legal assistance for compensation claims. This article examines the nature of construction injuries, the challenges faced by victims, and the crucial role of a construction injuries lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

white and black no smoking sign

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Liability insurance claims can present significant legal challenges for individuals and businesses. This article delves into what liability insurance claims entail, why having legal representation is essential, and how a liability insurance claims lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

Freelancer

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims can present significant challenges for individuals involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. This article examines the complexities of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, common issues faced by claimants, and the vital role of a uninsured/underinsured motorist claims lawyer in securing rightful compensation for accident victims.

Freelancer

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Medical insurance claims can be complex and overwhelming for individuals dealing with health issues. This article explores the intricacies of medical insurance claims, common challenges faced by claimants, and the crucial role of a medical insurance claims lawyer in advocating for the rights of individuals seeking coverage for medical expenses.

Skiing Accident Lawyer

Jun 26, 2025

Personal Injury

Ski accidents can lead to serious injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a ski accidents lawyer. This article explores the causes of ski accidents, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a ski accidents lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Dog Attack Insurance Claim

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Dog attack claims can result in severe injuries and legal complexities, often necessitating the expertise of a dog attack lawyer. This article xplores the causes of dog attacks, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a dog attack lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

Construction Injury Lawyer

Oct 30, 2025

Personal Injury

Construction injuries can result in serious harm, often necessitating legal assistance for compensation claims. This article examines the nature of construction injuries, the challenges faced by victims, and the crucial role of a construction injuries lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and securing fair compensation.

white and black no smoking sign

Oct 30, 2025

Insurance

Liability insurance claims can present significant legal challenges for individuals and businesses. This article delves into what liability insurance claims entail, why having legal representation is essential, and how a liability insurance claims lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

Areas We Serve

Serving all of Colorado, with an emphasis on the people and communities of the Western Slope.

Grand Junction

Montrose

Aspen

Glenwood Springs

Carbondale

Basalt

Gunnison

Vail

Steamboat Springs

Eagle

Rifle

Durango

Telluride

Crested Butte

How do your fees work?

At Western Slope Law, we offer a variety of fee structures depending on your needs. Some clients choose to hire us on an hourly basis. Others choose a hybrid agreement. But most opt for a contingency fee —which means that you don't pay us any attorney fees unless we recover money on your behalf. Under a contingency agreement, our fee is a percentage of the amounts we recover on your claim. Call us to see which fee structure is best for you and your case.

Trusted in the toughest moments

Injuries, accidents, and legal cases are difficult on every level. In order to maximize the value of your case, you need someone with the know-how to get it done, the reputation to back it up, and a track record of obtaining life-changing settlements.

"Nelson is one of the best lawyers in Colorado. He has assisted me with business and personal legal issues over the years, and every time he shows up professionally and takes the appropriate action to serve each situation well. You won't be disappointed hiring Nelson for your legal needs!"

Sarah V.

Client

Legal Guides & News

Advice on a case? Let's talk.

At Western Slope Law, we won't charge you to review the facts of your case and see if we can help. Sometimes this takes one meeting, sometimes it takes three. Regardless, you won't have to pay us to evaluate your case. Contact us for a free consultation today. We can talk over the phone, meet in person, or videoconference via Zoom. Whatever works best for you, works best for us.