The management turned down her request. The woman eventually went on workmen's comp resulting in increased premium payments for the company. The employee was lost, money was wasted and substantial expenses were incurred because of management's shortsightedness. It sent a loud and long-lasting message to every employee that the company didn't really care. It will take many years to counter the negative perceptions this action created.
Nothing is ever equal.
With everything we say and everything we do, we're either promoting or demoting the opinion of others. The biggest problem facing business in the next 12-20 years is finding and keeping good people. And money is not at the top of the list. Being respected, being treated well and being appreciated is what matters. People want to be cared about.