Worker’s Comp & Personal Injury Case Study | Interpretation Drill

A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay

Academy Note: In Personal Injury and Worker’s Comp, the "Scene" is the accident, and the "Plot" is the recovery of damages. As an interpreter, you are translating the intersection of physical pain and legal liability. Accuracy here determines the "Ending" of the claimant's financial and physical future.

Part I: The Script of Liability (Legal Terms)

Legal Concept Spanish Translation The "Role" in the Case
Negligence Negligencia Failure to act with proper care (The "Flaw" in the scene).
Liability Responsabilidad legal Who is legally responsible for the "Damage."
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Mejoría médica máxima The point where no further healing is expected.
Pecuniary Damages Daños pecuniarios / económicos The measurable financial loss (The "Budget" of the claim).
Statute of Limitations Estatuto de limitaciones / Prescripción The "Deadline" to file the claim.

Part II: The Scene of the Injury (Mechanics & Symbols)

Slip and Fall: Resbalón y caída

Soft Tissue Injury: Lesión de tejidos blandos

Whiplash: Latigazo cervical

Occupational Disease: Enfermedad profesional

Loss of Consortium: Pérdida de compañía/consorte

Total Disability: Incapacidad total

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE): Evaluación de capacidad funcional

Third-Party Claim: Reclamación contra terceros

Part III: Practice Scenarios & Deposition Scripts

Scenario A: The Deposition of the Injured Worker

The Scene: Defense Counsel is questioning a worker regarding a back injury sustained at a warehouse.

The Script:

  • Attorney: "Did you follow the safety protocols and wear the lumbar support belt provided by your employer?"
  • Interpreter (Spanish): "¿Siguió usted los protocolos de seguridad y usó la faja de soporte lumbar proporcionada por su empleador?"
  • Claimant: "I was told to hurry because we were behind schedule, so I didn't have time to put it on."
  • Interpreter (English): "Me dijeron que me diera prisa porque estábamos retrasados, así que no tuve tiempo de ponérmela."

Scenario B: Independent Medical Examination (IME)

The Scene: An IME doctor (hired by the insurance company) is evaluating the range of motion in a car accident victim’s neck.

The Script:

  • Doctor: "Tilt your head toward your right shoulder until you feel the first onset of pain."
  • Interpreter (Spanish): "Incline la cabeza hacia el hombro derecho hasta que sienta el primer inicio de dolor."
  • Patient: "It stops right here. I feel a sharp pinch that radiates down my spine."
  • Interpreter (English): "Se detiene justo aquí. Siento un pinchazo agudo que se extiende por la columna."

Part IV: Professional Practice Drill

The Task: Convert these complex "Claims Statements" into clear Spanish for a formal hearing.

  1. "The plaintiff is seeking damages for pain and suffering as well as future lost wages."
  2. "The insurance carrier has denied the claim based on a pre-existing condition."
  3. "We are requesting a settlement to cover the costs of vocational rehabilitation."
  4. "The treating physician has released the patient to light-duty work with restrictions."

CASE FILE UPDATED — END OF PROCEEDING