For workers’ compensation interpreting assignments, our company was often assigned injured workers for the duration of their claim. Additionally, because my company provides both healthcare and court interpreting, we would render services at the end of the claim.

The following is one of the most heartbreaking experiences I ever had. I was assigned to interpret for someone employed at a factory. This worker operated a machine that fabricated 450-pound rolls of paper towels. The machine was in disrepair. Unfortunately, it was left to the employees to manually handle the heavy weight that should have been automated.

As the days, months, and years passed, the vertebrae discs deteriorated without his knowledge. One day, as he was pushing and handling the 450-pound weight, he felt a snap in his back and intense pain. Scan images revealed multiple herniated discs running down his spine. My company provided interpreting services at physical therapy. He could not bear the pain. Eventually, aquatic physical therapy was ordered. Although the pain was still quite extraordinary, he was able to bear it.

Since at the time we provided transport, I would often drop him off at the location entrance of the aquatic therapy facility. He would exit the car and began to slowly walk. I, in turn, would remove his bags from the back seat and take them to the locker room for him. Then, I would return to my car and find a parking space. After parking, I would return to the therapy location, pass him up, and enter the locker room to change into my bathing suit and enter the pool. The therapist allowed me to swim laps as we awaited his arrival.

From the time he left the vehicle to the time he entered the pool thirty minutes had passed. Once aquatic therapy was completed, he started the slow process of returning to the locker room. I also would return to the locker room, shower, and change my clothes. Next, I would fetch the car, return to the locker room, and bring his items back to the car.

For almost three years, I interpreted at his doctor and physical therapy visits. During that entire period, he never improved. While he attended physical therapy, although his conditions did not worsen, his injuries remained the same.

Towards the end of his medical treatment, the insurance company sent the injured worker for an independent medical evaluation. I happen to be aware of this doctor. He had a reputation for complaining about “interpreters” interjecting their personal opinions. The practitioner never complained about me. After a while I became the go-to guy for injured workers consulting with this practitioner.

Please catch the rest of the story in the November 2021 blog.