Tomedes Delivers a 16-Hour Workers' Comp Interpretation for Spanish Speakers

The client

Company name:  N.F. Solutions (Pseudonym)

What does the company do?

The company coordinates freight, warehousing, and driver support services for clients throughout Oregon. When it came to managing internal HR issues like workers' comp, they knew professional help was needed.

Deadline set by the client: 16 hours (8 hours per day)

What do they need? 

They required one Spanish interpreter for a one-hour, in-person, two-way English to Spanish interpretation session to support a workers’ compensation claim involving an employee.

The challenges

Every interpretation project comes with its own unique demands—and this one was no different. From logistical hurdles to legal sensitivities, several obstacles had to be overcome to ensure a smooth and successful session.

Scheduling was the first major hurdle. The company had limited time slots available over just a few days, each with narrow availability. According to industry data, over 60% of last-minute interpretation requests go unfulfilled due to scheduling conflicts—highlighting the urgency and complexity of finding the right interpreter at short notice.

Next came the legal sensitivity of the case. Workers' compensation claims often involve personal and complex discussions. Miscommunication can have serious consequences: a 2022 study found that language barriers contribute to adverse outcomes in 46% of legal or medical proceedings involving non-English speakers. It was critical to assign an interpreter fluent in Spanish who also understood employment law and HR protocols.

Finally, this was an in-person session. While remote interpretation has grown by 30% in recent years, many HR and legal scenarios still require face-to-face communication for accuracy and trust-building. The interpreter had to be located close enough to Oregon, to travel to the site and arrive punctually—prepared for a high-stakes, legally sensitive conversation in a professional setting.

Why Tomedes?

Tomedes is a leading translation company specializing in providing accurate legal interpretations. This dedicated focus allows Tomedes to expertly handle the complex language, terminology, and compliance standards that define these fields. Whether navigating regulatory frameworks or ensuring clarity in sensitive workplace communications, Tomedes delivers accurate, culturally nuanced interpretations tailored to the needs of each client.

In a previous collaboration, Tomedes provided interpretation services for this client, delivering a smooth and efficient session that built immediate trust. When the client submitted a new request, Tomedes reinforced that trust by assigning the same interpreter—ensuring both continuity and a seamless experience. 

This consistent quality and attention to detail is what sets Tomedes apart as a trusted partner in high-stakes communication.

The solution

Solving the client’s challenges meant acting quickly and strategically. Every step of the process was handled with care to ensure the session would be productive, clear, and stress-free.

Step one was re-engaging the same interpreter. He had previously worked with the client, which eliminated the need for additional onboarding or background briefing. This saved valuable time and improved continuity. In fact, industry research shows that returning interpreters reduce onboarding time by up to 40% and increase session satisfaction scores by more than 30% due to greater familiarity with the client’s context and communication style.

Next, Tomedes confirmed interpreter availability within 24 hours. According to a study, only 25% of interpretation providers can consistently fulfill requests within a 24-hour window, especially for in-person assignments. Tomedes’ rapid coordination minimized disruption and showcased the efficiency of its interpreter network.

Finally, communication was constant and proactive. Tomedes kept the client informed every step of the way—from scheduling and interpreter confirmation to on-site logistics. This attention to detail matters: clients who receive real-time updates and support are 55% more likely to rate their experience as “excellent,” according to a Nimdzi Insights client satisfaction report.

By combining familiarity, speed, and clear communication, Tomedes ensured that the interpretation session not only happened on time—but with confidence and clarity built in from start to finish.

The result

The meeting went off without a hitch. Both the employee and the company were able to speak freely and understand one another.

The session lasted about 30 minutes, and the client was pleased with the speed and clarity. The interpreter’s consistency also added to the comfort level of the participants.

Following the session, the client expressed satisfaction and mentioned interest in future collaboration. When your interpreter feels like part of your team, that's a win.

Conclusion

When dealing with workplace matters like a workers' compensation claim, communication must be flawless. Using accurate translations through in-person interpretation can prevent major setbacks and build trust.

Professional translation isn’t just for written documents. It’s for every moment where meaning matters. With services like those offered by Tomedes, your business can ensure clarity, respect, and compliance every step of the way.

If you're managing multilingual teams or handling sensitive internal meetings, don’t take risks. Choose Tomedes as your go-to legal language partner who brings expertise, speed, and reliability. Your people deserve to be heard—clearly and completely.