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.

Section Image

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.

Section Image

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.

Section Image

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Pedestrian crosswalk in a Colorado intersection

Personal Injury

Pedestrian accident law encompasses a set of legal principles and regulations that govern accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. These cases often involve complex liability issues, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injuries in collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Damaged vehicle after a hit-and-run in Colorado

Personal Injury

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims in distress and facing legal challenges, often necessitating the assistance of a lawyer specializing in such cases. This article explores the nature of hit-and-run accidents, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a hit-and-run accidents lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and pursuing justice.

Damaged bicycle on a Colorado road after an accident

Personal Injury

Bicycle accident cases can be complex, often involving factors such as driver negligence, road conditions, and traffic laws. Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing injuries and financial challenges. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can provide you with several advantages.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Pedestrian crosswalk in a Colorado intersection

Personal Injury

Pedestrian accident law encompasses a set of legal principles and regulations that govern accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. These cases often involve complex liability issues, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injuries in collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Damaged vehicle after a hit-and-run in Colorado

Personal Injury

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims in distress and facing legal challenges, often necessitating the assistance of a lawyer specializing in such cases. This article explores the nature of hit-and-run accidents, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a hit-and-run accidents lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and pursuing justice.

Personal Injury

Insurance

Premises Liability

Search

Pedestrian crosswalk in a Colorado intersection

Personal Injury

Pedestrian accident law encompasses a set of legal principles and regulations that govern accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. These cases often involve complex liability issues, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injuries in collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Damaged vehicle after a hit-and-run in Colorado

Personal Injury

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims in distress and facing legal challenges, often necessitating the assistance of a lawyer specializing in such cases. This article explores the nature of hit-and-run accidents, the types of injuries that can occur, and the crucial role of a hit-and-run accidents lawyer in advocating for victims' rights and pursuing justice.

Damaged bicycle on a Colorado road after an accident

Personal Injury

Bicycle accident cases can be complex, often involving factors such as driver negligence, road conditions, and traffic laws. Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing injuries and financial challenges. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can provide you with several advantages.

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

Search

Colorado accident lawyer meeting with an injured client

Guides

Choosing the right accident lawyer involves considering their experience, reputation, and the way they handle cases similar to yours.

Client consultation with a personal injury lawyer

Answers

Accidents happen, but when they result in injury due to someone else's negligence, you may wonder, "Do I need a personal injury lawyer?" Understanding when to get a personal injury lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. This article helps residents on Colorado's western slope recognize the signs that legal assistance is necessary and how a lawyer can assist in your case.

Client shaking hands with a Colorado attorney

Guides

Finding the right attorney can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with personal injury or insurance issues on Colorado's western slope. The outcome of your legal matter can significantly depend on the lawyer you choose. This guide outlines how to hire a lawyer, including costs and what to look for in legal representation, to help you make an informed decision.

Personal injury attorney meeting with a client

Guides

A personal injury attorney can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of insurance claims, liability and ensuring you get fair compensation in an accident.

Attorney reviewing a car accident case file

Guides

Being involved in a car accident on the western slope of Colorado can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. The picturesque landscapes and winding roads, while beautiful, present unique driving challenges that can lead to unexpected accidents. Beyond the immediate shock and potential physical injuries, you may face mounting medical bills, complex insurance claims, and overwhelming legal paperwork.

Car accident scene with emergency responders

Answers

Involving an attorney early on can help protect your rights and maximize your settlement, especially if there are disputes about fault, injuries, or damages.

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.