When people think of interpreters, they often imagine someone bridging language gaps in a courtroom, hospital, or international conference. But there’s one group of interpreters that doesn’t always get the same recognition—or respect: workers’ compensation interpreters.
These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that injured workers who don’t speak English fluently can access fair treatment, communicate with doctors, understand legal proceedings, and navigate the claims process. Yet surprisingly, they’re often met with frustration or even hostility from others in the system. So why is that?
Let’s explore the reasons—and why it’s time to shift the perspective.
1. They’re Caught in the Middle
Workers’ comp interpreters work between multiple parties: injured workers, insurance companies, attorneys, healthcare providers, and case managers. Each of these groups often has different agendas, priorities, and expectations.
For example:
Doctors may feel rushed and see interpreters as slowing down appointments.
Insurance adjusters may question billing or the necessity of services.
Attorneys might worry about the interpreter’s neutrality.
This constant balancing act can make interpreters a target for blame when things don’t go smoothly, even if they’re just doing their job.
2. Misunderstandings About Their Role
Some people think interpreters are there to advocate for the injured worker. Others believe they should act as translators or even personal assistants. But in reality, professional interpreters have a very specific job: to accurately and neutrally convey messages between parties—no more, no less.
When expectations don’t match reality, frustration can follow. If someone misunderstands the interpreter’s purpose, they may view them as unhelpful, biased, or even a barrier to progress.
3. They Face Unrealistic Time and Scheduling Demands
Many workers’ comp appointments are booked last-minute, canceled suddenly, or run far behind schedule. Interpreters are expected to be flexible—but also to be professional, punctual, and efficient.
The problem? These demands often conflict. If an interpreter is five minutes late due to traffic or another overlapping appointment, they may be labeled as unreliable. But if they decline a job because of tight scheduling, they risk losing future assignments.
This constant pressure contributes to tension between interpreters and others in the system.
4. Compensation and Respect Often Don’t Match Their Skill Level
Interpreting in the workers’ comp space requires more than just language fluency. It requires knowledge of:
Medical terminology
Legal processes
Insurance protocols
Cultural sensitivity
Despite this, workers’ comp interpreters are often underpaid and undervalued, especially compared to professionals in similar fields. This undervaluing can affect morale and how others perceive their contributions.
5. They’re Easy Scapegoats in a Flawed System
Let’s be honest: the workers’ compensation system can be frustrating. It’s filled with delays, bureaucracy, and red tape. When patients don’t understand what’s happening—or feel like they aren’t being heard—it’s easy to point fingers. And the person in the room translating the confusion? The interpreter.
Even though they aren’t responsible for the decisions being made, interpreters are often blamed for miscommunications or outcomes beyond their control.
A Call for Change
It’s time to recognize the essential role of workers’ comp interpreters. These professionals provide a vital service that ensures fairness, access, and equity for injured workers navigating a complex system, often during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
So the next time you see an interpreter in a workers’ comp setting, take a moment to appreciate the difficult job they’re doing. They’re not just interpreting words—they’re helping people be seen, heard, and understood.
At Archway, we believe in supporting interpreters and advocating for quality language access across all systems. If you’re a provider, attorney, or case manager, let’s work together to create a more respectful, efficient, and inclusive experience for all. https://archwaysl.com/contact/
