Why Do So Many People Dislike Workers’ Comp Interpreters?

It’s no secret—interpreters in the workers’ compensation (WC) system often face unfair judgment. We’ve covered some of the reasons in previous posts, but in Part III, we want to dig deeper into why this stigma exists and what it says about the system itself.

Is It Really About the Interpreter?

Let’s be honest. Most interpreters are professionals doing their jobs the best they can, often under tough circumstances. Yet they’re frequently the ones blamed when frustrations boil over. But here’s the truth: the interpreter usually isn’t the real problem.

What’s actually happening is that interpreters become scapegoats for issues baked into the workers’ comp system—issues like delays, poor communication, and inefficiencies.

What Doctors and Adjusters Might Be Thinking

We’ve heard things like:

“This interpreter is a no-show.”
“The patient didn’t understand because of the interpreter.”
“They were late, and now we’re behind schedule.”

But in reality? Many of these problems stem from broken processes, scheduling miscommunications, or unrealistic expectations—not from the interpreters themselves.

A System That Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Imagine being an interpreter assigned to five appointments in one day, all over town, with little notice. Or being asked to confirm availability for a job where the time or address keeps changing. This isn’t a one-time fluke—it’s the daily reality.

The system often treats interpreters as plug-and-play components instead of skilled professionals. There’s a lack of respect for their time, qualifications, and the critical role they play in helping injured workers understand their care and navigate a complex process.

So Why the Hate?

Let’s be real—when the system fails, someone has to take the blame. And unfortunately, interpreters are often the easiest target. They’re the visible link in the chain, the face in the room, the person caught between the injured worker, the doctor, and the claims adjuster.

But the frustration should really be directed at a system that doesn’t support collaboration, communication, or consistency.

Workers’ comp interpreters are vital. They ensure that injured workers get the care and information they need. They bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Without them, outcomes would suffer.

Instead of blaming interpreters, let’s start asking better questions:

Why is the scheduling system so chaotic?

Are we valuing language access the way we should?

How can we create a better experience for everyone involved?

Want to learn more about how we’re improving the interpreting experience in workers’ comp?

Contact us today: https://archwaysl.com/contact/

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