California is one of the few states that require employers to maintain active workers’ compensation insurance policies for each of its employees. This has direct implications on interpreting due to the mandates within the labor code for Workers’ Compensation law. Per Labor Code 5811, the interpreter must be certified. From the time a DWC-1 is filed by the employer and a claim is opened, DFS Interpreting can provide certified medical interpreters at the claimant’s medical treatment appointments; whether at the occupational medicine clinic, urgent-care clinic, or a hospital.

DFS Interpreting’s certified interpreters have extensive experience and knowledge interpreting in the Workers’ Compensation industry.

All interpreters are trained and well-versed in the linguistics, context and commonly used terms in Workers' Compensation. Most are well known and recognized by doctors and attorneys in the Northern-California area and have existing relationships resulting in an ease of work for these providers. HIPAA compliance is also a key focus for DFS Interpreting. Due to the nature of confidentiality of information during medical treatment appointments, evaluations, and court hearings, DFS Interpreting and its interpreters adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and will not divulge any protected information unless required by law or ordered to do so by a court of law.

 Throughout the duration of the Workers' Comp claimant’s medical treatment, DFS Interpreting operates within the standards of the California Labor Code providing a Certified Medical Interpreter for the claimant’s treatment appointments.

These appointments can include physical therapy visits, chiropractic visits, consultations, nurse case managers (NCMs) discussions and more. When the employer’s insurance carrier deposes the claimant, DFS Interpreting provides Certified Administrative Hearing or Certified Court Interpreters to assist with the deposition. These interpreters are experts in the Consecutive and Simultaneous interpreting modes who can aid in these areas:

• Deposition preparation

• Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board hearings and trials

• Settlement conferences and attorney-client meetings

• Dispatching certified interpreters to remote areas of Northern California to sight translate and sign off on Stipulations with Request for an Award or Compromise & Release documents

• Assist at a Walkthrough whether the applicant appears in person or by telephone

• Assist with the Med-Legal and Psychological Evaluations. In most cases the interpreters who assist with these evaluations are the same interpreters who assist with the injured worker’s medical-treatment appointments. This serves two primary functions:

  • The interpreter is familiar with the injured workers’ claim which helps the evaluating doctor feel at ease during the interview and evaluation process

  • The injured worker is comfortable with the interpreter and can easily communicate