I would say at least get a consultation with a lawyer. There could be a few problems with the termination legally, but only a lawyer would really be able to say. For instance, if he was at fault for the accident versus they were at fault for it... if he was at fault, the termination could stand on safety concerns. If they were, it's questionable... the timing is odd, imo. I have never heard of termination for the purpose of unemployment insurance covering it. I actually think it falls into FMLA at that point, which would mean that he can't be terminated simply because he is injured and can't work. FMLA is government protection. So I would definitely say, consider a lawyer, but also try to see if there is one that would do contingency, meaning they get paid when you do. If you don't win, they don't get paid.

Hope it works out,
Puck