About Chad
Chad L. Hanefeld is a seasoned personal injury attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with over 25 years of experience in civil litigation. He began his legal journey in 1996 after earning his Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Hanefeld obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1989. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his analytical skills and effective communication, both vital in the legal profession.
Initially, Hanefeld focused on representing insurance companies and their policyholders in defense cases — This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the strategies employed by insurance firms. However, in 2003, he made a significant career shift, transitioning to advocate for individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of others. This change marked the beginning of a dedicated pursuit to secure justice for victims of personal injury. Hanefeld's practice areas are diverse and include automobile collisions, large truck accidents, drowning incidents, and premises liability claims, such as slips, trips, falls, and construction-site injuries. His experience in these areas gave him the skills necessary to navigate complex legal challenges. Throughout his career, he has successfully secured multiple six-figure recoveries for his clients—most notably, $975,000 for a construction accident and $750,000 for another construction-related case.
These achievements underscore his commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for those he represents. In 2014, Hanefeld joined Vaughan & Vaughan, a well-respected personal injury law firm in Indianapolis established in 1913. The firm is renowned for its commitment to client care and aggressive representation against insurance companies. Hanefeld's role at Vaughan & Vaughan has allowed him to further hone his skills and collaborate with a team dedicated to championing the rights of injured individuals. To enhance his representation of workers injured on construction sites, he has completed OSHA coursework, demonstrating his commitment to understanding the details of workplace safety regulations. Active in the legal community, Hanefeld is a member of both the Indiana State Bar and the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.
He frequently shares his knowledge through lectures on various legal topics, including "Proving and Disputing Damages" and "Successfully Pursuing Third-Party Tort Claims for Construction-Site Injuries." His dedication to educating others supports his the legal profession and to ensuring that clients receive the best representation possible. Clients consistently commend Hanefeld for his professionalism and dedication. One client remarked, "Chad Hanefeld at Vaughan & Vaughan has been nothing short of incredible," highlighting the trust and respect he has earned in his field.
