My mom was put on unpaid leave after filing a claim against her employer. She was poked by a needle and was not advised to seek medical attention until almost two weeks later. They will not confirm not deny employment. Can they do that?

My mother is a care giver, she was poked by a needle and contracted hep-c. She told her employer and her manager however nothing was said except she should be fine. Almost two weeks later she was made an appointment by her employer and she was then told she had contracted hep c. Her employer does not have workers compensation to file a claim. My mother hired an attorney and was offered a settlement of $5,000 and her resignation was required. She refused and her attorney closed the claim and is no longer representing her. She was then told by her employer that she was on unpaid leave.