[Superman]

There is a federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and states often have their own Family Leave Acts (FLA). In Washington State, some of that statutorily-mandated state leave runs AFTER all or part of the federal. In California, it is believable that federal and state law protects her.

And yet, even if it does, the next problem becomes enforcement. And then, after that (assuming it gets enforced), you may have an employer-employee relationship that is injured more than her leg.

I wonder if it might be good for her to explore the 'in a few months' remark. Perhaps find out what was meant by that, and what to expect.