There’s no doubt that many questions surround legal interpretation and translation and how it can assist, from the first notification of loss through to Court proceedings, whilst remaining a disbursement.
What’s the difference between Translation and Interpretation?
Translation is a written text from one language to another, ensuring complete understanding in a visual format. Providing translated documents from English into a client’s native tongue omits confusion later down the line, due to having a physical reference should any inconsistencies be raised.
Interpretation holds many meanings but under the legal sense of the word, it is recognition of understanding through paraphrasing for each individual language and dialect, legal terminology can be tricky to the unqualified and unexperienced expert.
Does your client truly understand the claims process? Will the language barrier be the cause of the unsuccessful case?
If those questions aren’t pivotal at any time when accepting to represent a non-English speaking client, their case is at risk. An educated judge will happily throw out a case should a client seem uninformed. British judges increasingly now pay attention to foreign cases, in the hope the client isn’t being taking advantage of in any profit earning way rather than the best interests of the client being sought as their fundamental human right.
Therefore, interpretation and translation hold a vital part in any case, especially with personal injury cases, not only at court but each stage of the claim; whether it be written, verbal or both for complete understanding for the benefit of your client and their claim.
Can anyone translate a document? What about Google Translate?
With that in mind it is essential that experts must be registered on one of the recommended registers which provides a safeguard towards competence, reliability and security vetting, along with the suitable qualifications and many hours of experience at a forensic level is a necessity and recognition of the court; the use of native speaking file handlers or family members of the client is no longer seen nor accepted as a reliable source of advice to the client. Similarly, automated translation services give a very literal translation which often doesn’t make clear sense or alters the meaning of the sentence just slightly. Clearly in Court (& many other areas) accuracy is paramount.
Is Outsourcing the right choice?
Should your clients claim come to litigation stage, it’s undoubtedly a perspective from some that outsourcing is a forbidden word; will there be risk? Will there be excessive cost? Valid questions of course however, the key is to squash the scepticism, focus on the core goal and give thought to the loyalty and expertise outsourcing can bring.
Whilst completing exceptional due diligence and analysing company and client needs, the forefront of importance is the working relationship. The need to ask questions and have them re-clarified by someone who can demonstrate a knowledgeable and consistent quality of service is paramount.
Why choose Laird Languages
That’s one of the more important reasons behind why solicitors trust Laird Language, where knowledge is the heart of the team, not only within the Legal sector but non-legal Translation and Interpretation, assisting those that want to transition their services and extend their reach.
Legal Interpretation and Translation is the forefront of our business; we have strong ties to the legal sector making us number one in offerings to assist in all non-English speaking claims in each aspect of their case.
Our stronghold of exceptional customer care team members can not only offer guidance in the unknown but offer solutions for the most urgent of conundrums.
Want to know more? Speak to us (in English) on 0151 342 9961 or message language@laird-assessors.com
