Nelson A. Waneka

About Nelson

Nelson Waneka is a Colorado attorney specializing in insurance recovery. He has extensive experience litigating delayed and denied insurance claims on behalf of individuals, businesses, and community associations. He has obtained numerous seven-figure settlements and one of the largest jury verdicts in Douglas County in 2016--$4,742,048.02. He has been instrumental in shaping Colorado insurance law through appeals in both state and federal courts. He also serves as an expert witness on insurance bad faith and claims handling practices. Nelson has received extensive recognition for his achievements and abilities. He has been selected by his peers to be a Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of insurance coverage for 2014 - 2018. He has been selected by his peers to The Best Lawyers In America® list 2013-2019. He has been designated a Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers. He has likewise been presented with awards by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. Nelson graduated among the top students in his class at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he was Articles Editor of the Denver University Law Review. Following his graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Judge Diana M. Terry of the Colorado Court of Appeals where he gained first-hand experience with the Colorado court system. When he is not representing his clients, Nelson enjoys fly-fishing and spending time with his family. He lives in Castle Rock with his wife and two daughters.

Practice Areas

Insurance Law Insights

California Wildfire 2026: Insurance Claims, Evacuation Rights, and When to Call a Lawyer

With the Sandy and Bain fires forcing 43,000 California residents to evacuate, wildfire victims have just 60 days to file proof of loss and may qualify for 24 months of additional living expenses under state law. Here is what California Insurance Code §§ 2051.5 and 2071, Civil Code § 1942, and Penal Code § 396 require — and when bad faith becomes a separate claim.

Education

• University of Denver, J.D., graduated 2010
• University of Northern Colorado, B.A., graduated 2005

Bar Admissions

• Colorado, 2010

Languages