Is Your Interpreter Picking Up Pencils?

You assign an interpreter for an independent medical evaluation. The doctor, claimant and the interpreter are the only ones present in the examination room.

In the middle of the interview the doctor drops a pencil on the floor between the interpreter and the claimant. The interpreter politely bends over and picks up the pencil. Is this a familiar scenario? If so, you are using the wrong interpreting company.

Of course, the doctor was testing the claimant and wanted him to pick up the pencil not only to show credibility but also flexibility of movement. The setting could be clinical, legal or in a home: it is irrelevant.

Interpreters are supposed to be uninvolved and independent third parties who repeat what they hear verbatim from one party to the other. Although they act as the link between the two, they must remain impartial. The use of court accredited or registered interpreters will dramatically increase the chance of having impartial, unbiased interpretation.

Adjusters, lawyers, rehabilitation consultants, assessment centres and independent assessment clinics have increasingly become aware of the importance of using highly qualified interpreters. It is now common to see statements of claim routinely question the integrity of the interpretation.

This question is easily addressed when the interpreter meets the standards that lawyers use for their own purposes. It would then be difficult for a claimant's lawyer to question the interpreter’s qualifications.

Most interpreting firms use freelance interpreters. Occasionally this means that a firm does not have the same degree of control over the interpreter that a company has over a full time employee. Mistakes inevitably happen.

It would be appropriate for the firm you are using to have errors and omissions insurance. If you are worried about liability, it is appropriate to request a copy of the certificate from your interpreting firm.

Interpreting is generally considered an incidental cost in the realm of claims handling, legal fees or medical assessments. However, improper translation services can become an enormous burden of costs, delays and embarrassment. It would therefore be prudent to use professionals whenever dealing with interpreters.

It is an area where one feels completely helpless and powerless. However, the proper professional will inspire confidence on both sides.