Re Scottys post he is dead on as regards the position and contracts
Depending on the circumstances of how it happened also may have rights to compensation but would need to speak to her
It is definately worth checking as backs are a pain (scuse the pun) and can cause all sorts of aggro in later life
If she needs straight advice with no 'strings' then pm me and i will send on my number - I run a firm of solicitors which has a large pi department (and which is run properly ie does not rip off its clients
)
HTH and I hope she gets better soon - I myslef have a recurrent back prob and wouldnt wish it on any1 tbh