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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Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

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Colorado wildfire damage to a residential property

Insurance

Wildfires can cause widespread destruction, necessitating legal assistance for insurance claims. This article explores the impacts of wildfires, common types of damage, and the role of a wildfire claims lawyer in helping property owners navigate insurance claims effectively.

Heavy snow load on a Colorado roof

Insurance

Many Colorado homeowners struggle with denied or underpaid roof claims, even for legitimate storm damage. In the past year alone, the Colorado Division of Insurance received nearly 7,000 consumer complaints and inquiries about insurance issues, recovering $26.4 million for policyholders where claims had been wrongly delayed or denied.

Empty wallet representing uninsured motorist coverage

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

Colorado wildfire damage to a residential property

Insurance

Wildfires can cause widespread destruction, necessitating legal assistance for insurance claims. This article explores the impacts of wildfires, common types of damage, and the role of a wildfire claims lawyer in helping property owners navigate insurance claims effectively.

Heavy snow load on a Colorado roof

Insurance

Many Colorado homeowners struggle with denied or underpaid roof claims, even for legitimate storm damage. In the past year alone, the Colorado Division of Insurance received nearly 7,000 consumer complaints and inquiries about insurance issues, recovering $26.4 million for policyholders where claims had been wrongly delayed or denied.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Colorado wildfire damage to a residential property

Insurance

Wildfires can cause widespread destruction, necessitating legal assistance for insurance claims. This article explores the impacts of wildfires, common types of damage, and the role of a wildfire claims lawyer in helping property owners navigate insurance claims effectively.

Heavy snow load on a Colorado roof

Insurance

Many Colorado homeowners struggle with denied or underpaid roof claims, even for legitimate storm damage. In the past year alone, the Colorado Division of Insurance received nearly 7,000 consumer complaints and inquiries about insurance issues, recovering $26.4 million for policyholders where claims had been wrongly delayed or denied.

Empty wallet representing uninsured motorist coverage

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.

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

An aerial view of a valley with a river running through it

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.

a river running through a valley with trees and mountains in the background

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

News

Answers

Guides

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Answers

What Your Policy Says, What It Pays, and Why the Gap Between Those Two Things Can Ruin You

green trees and mountain under orange clouds

Guides

Colorado's 2026 wildfire season isn't a forecast anymore. It's already here. The window to prepare is closing. Here's how to use it.

Ski injury on a Colorado slope

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Colorado's snowy peaks and world-renowned ski resorts attract millions of visitors each year, offering thrilling adventures amid breathtaking landscapes. However, with the exhilaration of skiing comes risk.

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Vail Pass road conditions in winter

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Vail Pass, a high-altitude section of Interstate 70 located between Vail and Copper Mountain, is a critical route for travelers crossing Colorado’s Rockies.

Interstate 70 traffic on the Colorado Western Slope

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Driving along Colorado's I-70 offers breathtaking mountain views and connects travelers to some of the state's most popular destinations. However, frequent closures can turn a scenic journey into a challenging ordeal.

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.