Former Legion Brewing employee files lawsuit alleging safety lapses and retaliatory firing at Charlotte locations

Lawsuit centers on workplace conditions and termination

A former Legion Brewing employee has filed a lawsuit alleging that safety problems persisted at the company’s Charlotte operations and that his employment ended after he raised concerns internally.

The former employee, Josh Denton, says he worked in a role that included safety responsibilities and that he repeatedly flagged issues he believed could put workers at risk. The complaint describes several categories of alleged hazards, including inadequate protective equipment, chemical handling practices, and overhead fixtures that he says fell from the ceiling inside the workplace.

Key allegations described in the filing

Denton alleges that the brewery did not provide appropriate gloves for certain tasks and that he suffered a cut severe enough to require stitches. He also alleges he inhaled hazardous chemicals and that, while some chemical storage practices changed after he raised concerns, other chemicals continued to be stored improperly.

He further claims Legion resisted efforts to provide ear protection to employees working around loud equipment. The lawsuit also references metal rods he says fell from the ceiling, which he alleges did not strike anyone but could have caused serious injury. Denton estimates multiple incidents and says he personally put some of the rods back in place.

• Alleged lack of appropriate hand protection leading to an injury requiring stitches
• Alleged exposure to chemicals and ongoing concerns about storage practices
• Alleged resistance to obtaining hearing protection for workers
• Allegations that metal rods fell from overhead areas, creating a potential hazard

Company response and dispute over the reason for termination

In the reporting surrounding the lawsuit, Legion Brewing indicated it would not comment while the matter is pending and that inquiries would be directed to legal counsel. The company’s stated reason for Denton’s job loss, as described in the same reporting, was restructuring.

Denton and his attorney dispute that explanation and allege his termination was connected to his safety complaints. The case raises a central question typical of workplace-retaliation disputes: whether the separation was driven by business changes or by protected activity related to workplace safety.

At this stage, the allegations are unproven. The lawsuit initiates a legal process in which claims may be tested through filings, evidence, and any subsequent hearings or court proceedings.

What workers can do when they see hazards

Federal workplace-safety rules provide mechanisms for employees to raise concerns, request inspections, and file complaints related to unsafe conditions. Separately, whistleblower protections can apply when an employee alleges retaliation for reporting safety issues or participating in related protected activity. Under federal rules tied to occupational safety and health complaints, a key deadline is often 30 days from the adverse action to submit a retaliation complaint, though longer timelines may apply under certain state frameworks.

What to watch next

The next developments are likely to come through court records, including any formal response from Legion Brewing, motions addressing whether claims can proceed, and—if the case advances—evidence about workplace conditions, internal reporting channels, and the circumstances surrounding Denton’s termination.