Western Slope Law

03/20/2026

We are proud to share that Nelson Waneka has been selected to the 2026 Colorado Super Lawyers list! Only 5% of attorneys in the state receive this distinction, which is determined by a multi-phase process including peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research. This is the 6th consecutive year Nelson has been recognized for his excellence in practice. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Nelson!👏

01/30/2026

We love being part of the Glenwood Springs community. This morning, Western Slope Law's Nelson Waneka spoke with a group of first graders about what a lawyer does as part of their "Jobs in the Community" focus. They asked some excellent questions - the future is bright!

11/10/2025

Since 2017, our founder, Nelson Waneka, has been recognized by Best Lawyers®, and we are honored to share that for the first time, WSL has also earned the prestigious distinction of “Best Law Firms” in the 2026 ranking, placing us in the top 4% of law firms in the USA.

“This award cannot be bought but must be earned through a rigorous client-and-peer-review process,” said Waneka, adding “WSL is the only firm in Western Colorado to be ranked for Insurance Law.”

https://www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/western-slope-law/105938/US

11/05/2025

WSL was a proud sponsor of Roaring Fork PreCollegiate and their Free Range Kitchen takeover event, which supports first-generation students as they navigate toward college. Learn more about their work and how you can help support the mission here: https://rfprecollegiate.org/

10/31/2025

📰WSL in the news: Last week, the Colorado Supreme Court considered whether car rental companies that offer insurance policies and adjust claims for benefits can be deemed “insurers” held to the same duty of good faith and fair dealing that every insurer owes to its customers.
“I don’t think there can be a realistic argument that what Hertz did in this case isn’t the transaction of insurance business. If it’s not, then nothing is,” said WSL founder, Nelson Waneka, during the Oct. 21 oral arguments. The case remains pending, a decision will issue in due course.

The Colorado Supreme Court considered last week whether car rental companies that offer insurance policies can also be deemed “insurers” who may be sued for their failure to pay out benefits on claims. Hertz Corp. argued it was not an insurance company based on a sequence of events in the 1990s....

09/04/2025

Proud to serve our local community with award-winning legal services. We win. Change Follows. https://westernslopelaw.com/

08/08/2025

Property damage, whether from natural disasters, accidents, or other events, can be distressing. Western Slope Law provides expert guidance to help you manage property insurance claims, ensuring you receive adequate compensation to cover your losses. https://westernslopelaw.com/cases/property-insurance-claims

07/03/2025

Colorado’s lakes and rivers are a beloved escape for many Western Slope families - especially over holiday weekends - but they also carry hidden risks. We can help you understand the unique insurance issues with boat accidents and the complications in determining liability.
https://westernslopelaw.com/cases/boating-accidents

06/02/2025

Colorado emergency departments report treating approximately 4,300 injuries related to public events each year, ranging from minor slips and falls to more serious incidents. Understanding your rights and options after an injury at a public event can make a difficult situation more manageable. https://westernslopelaw.com/cases/injuries-at-public-events-or-locations

05/05/2025

There are roughly 1,370 bicycle accidents each year in Colorado, a reminder that every ride carries some risk. Rural regions like the Western Slope often experience fewer but more severe accidents due to higher speed limits and limited bike infrastructure. As we enter the warmer months and see more bikes on the road, consider these tips.
https://westernslopelaw.com/cases/bicycle-accidents

03/20/2025

The risks are especially high in areas where steep terrain increases the risk of losing control; weather changes can create icy roads in minutes, and tourist traffic leads to more out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local roads.

If you ride in Colorado, you need to be prepared—not just for the road ahead but for the unpredictable dangers that come with it.
https://westernslopelaw.com/motorycle-accident-statistics