Mistreated at work, what should I do?

Question

I'm 24+3 with my first child. 
Btw I know this sounds like a rant. But it's more than that. It's controversial. That's why I'm posting it in CC so don't say wrong room. I need advice and I can't help from making this sound like a rant. 
This pregnancy hasn't been easy for me. 
It all started with morning sickness. Which made me lose nearly 20 lbs, which btw, im not heavy or chubby so losing that weight wasn't necessarily a good thing. 
I couldn't eat anything. I couldn't even go to the store because I was just so dizzy all the time and I felt sick for like 5 months. 
I couldn't have sex. I couldn't even get up at all. I still worked through all of this because I couldn't take time off financially. It really just set me back a lot mentally. All while this was going on I had this investigation with my place of work because in had harassed and mis treated by a manager and multiple male employees at my place of work. I finally decided I had to report it because they began to threaten other people there and I was scared for myself and my baby. Mentally, I knew I was hurting my baby. By constantly losing sleep and just feeling scared to be at work through mental abuse and even physical. 
The investigation was finalized a month ago and the main person ended up getting sent to another location. Which is insane that he didn't lose his job. But whatever. The manager that I had issues with I still work for and has made a change in how he talks to me. It's much nicer...but now he doesn't even acknowledge me. I work in sales and have continually for 3 years been considered one of the best employees in the district. I have a clean track record. Not late, don't call out, have great morals (which is important in sales for the customer). This manager has continued to gossip about me to other managers which have informed me because they think it's wrong. He's so protected by upper management it's insane...
I even was denied a promotion because of my prengnancy by him which I know is illegal. 
I feel TRAPPED. I can't leave. If I leave I lose my maternity leave. I can't afford to not work. I feel like I'm so stuck. People at my job don't care about me at all. I have terrible ligament pains...I can't even walk sometimes. Nothing helps but rest. And they won't allow me to go home or they threaten to write me up. 
Today, I just couldn't take it. I started crying in front of a customer because I was in so much pain. He could see that I was holding my side. And I had barely eaten. He asked if he should call an ambulance because I was just did not look ok. I tried calling for help, but my manager didn't answer. And I'm a key holder so I couldn't leave. 
I just don't know what to do anymore...if I do leave how do I afford to make it for over 3 more months? I'm thinking about getting a loan from my boyfriends parents. I just can't take it anymore. I cry every day at work and at home. I feel bullied. 
Btw I have a lawyer already. I have been sending him documentation for months. 
The problem is...I like my job. I don't want to sue them. But I hate who I work with. 
But that can change all the time. Literally a year ago I had a completely different staff.
I just don't know if I can hold off for 3 months. 
I live in caliornia btw. 
Does anyone have advice? 
I will answer any questions you ask. I don't want to say where I work. But I will say I work in the wireless industry. I make good money even for Southern California. But nothing crazy high. 
I have a ton of expenses because it's just expensive to live here.

I'm not trying to complain. I just am feeling depressed and trapped. I want to find a way out that doesn't totally screw me over or anyone else. 
I also want to add that I don't mind working while pregnant. I like working. I just want to work in a better environment. I want to feel valued. I want to stop being told I'll never been good enough because I'm a woman that's pregnant. They are all so sexist. 
I just want to be appreciated that I work twice as hard as most of the people there and I'm carrying a child.

Answer

If the people are protected by higher management then suing might just be your best bet. I'm sure the people will get fired if you do.

Answer

CA has pretty progressive employment laws and these laws actually protect employees more than employers. With that said, the state is also an at-will state meaning that your employment can be terminated without notice at any time and for any just reason (there must be a reason, of course). You can't be terminated for being pregnant, but you can be terminated for not being able to perform the job functions outlined in the job description or terms that you agreed to.

With that said, if you are in very serious pain, your doctor can require you be on bedrest until the baby arrives. This will qualify you for disability. Disability is not taxed and (I believe) it is about 55% of your earnings capped at like $1350/week or something like that. Your job should be protected during this time. I believe that with the FMLA in CA, it's protected for 12 weeks. Unfortunately, I don't work in Benefits so don't have enough knowledge here to provide recommendations. I recommend speaking with both your doctor, HR, and your attorney.

I'm assuming that you've spoken to HR about the challenges you've encountered, so the next recommendation I would have is to proceed with your lawsuit... but be aware that your employer will be watching your every move. Every email, every project, and every meeting/discussion will be watched under a microscrope.

I would do everything I can to find an alternative to continuing your employment at this company. Additional stress is not healthy for anyone, especially a pregnant woman. After about a month or two after your baby arrives, I then would start sending out my resume and cover letter left and right. Good luck!

Answer

Did you personally contact HR- or just tell upper management?

If not, call the HR number that customers would call. Tell them you're an employee and would like to file a harassment complaint and explain that it has to do with the previous situation (which they've probably heard about and if not they will ask you about it). Tell them that you were denied a promotion due to your pregnancy and your other points. Don't directly threaten to sue, but hint. Look up your local laws and state them. Have a list ready with your points. Mention as many dates and exact instances as possible. Explain how it is endangering your baby/ how they've been continuing inappropriate behavior while you're pregnant.

If that's already been done, your only other choice is to hold out and quit then sue them. And who cares if you like your job? Don't let personal feelings hold you back. Eyes on the prize.

Take a deep breath. 💕

Answer

fuck hr! They are typically there to serve the employer and prevent a lawsuit rather than protect the employee despite all the handbooks, training guidelines, and diversity handouts. Same thing happened to me, loved my job, complained about sexual harrassment, line manager got fired but not anyone else involved, I eventually never got promoted / went anywhere in that company. I was excluded and looked over for any opportunity - all because I filed a complaint. It's in your best interest in long run to move on and honestly sue the shit out of them.

Mistreated at work, what should I do?

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