What can be done for employer to correct error causing loss of job and disability income?

A family member's employer's HR messed up paperwork for short-term disability. He completed all paper work for short-term disability and faxed it to the appropriate parties. Just two days prior to his extensive surgery to have his ankle reconstruction surgery following an accident, the HR sent him by e-mail other forms to complete. Since he works in a hospital, he cannot even access his work email remotely and did not get the additional paperwork. Now the company wants to post his position and deny him short-term disability. He had no idea that any additional paperwork had been sent to him. They did not send it to his home email nor send him anything by USPS nor phone him. This means that suddenly he is faced with no income and no job because of their mistake and incompetence. He has tried repeatedly to contact the person in charge, but has received no responses. HR rep is located in another city. What must be done? This is their error. Thanks.