A Burlington walk-in clinic is embroiled in a significant legal battle, facing a $5-million lawsuit after a man claims he contracted hepatitis C from an unsterile needle during a medical procedure. The case, filed in Ontario Superior Court, highlights serious allegations of negligence and breach of duty in healthcare settings.
Details of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit targets Halton Family Health Centre Inc. and Dr. Timothy Salter, accusing them of failing to uphold proper medical standards. According to the legal filing by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, the incident occurred in September 2023 when Burlington resident Darwin Allen sought treatment for a cut on his heel. It is alleged that Dr. Salter injected him with lidocaine using a needle that was not properly sterilized, leading to the transmission of hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can result in severe liver damage over time. Many individuals remain unaware of their infection for years, as symptoms often take decades to manifest, making early detection and prevention critical.
Public Health Involvement and Testing
In a troubling development, Allen received a letter from Halton Region Public Health in November 2025, notifying him of improper infection prevention and control practices at the clinic. The health unit had issued a public notice in September 2025 after identifying that unsterile needles were used with multidose vials of anesthetic medication, violating standard protocols.
Following this notification, Allen underwent blood testing and was informed in December 2025 that he had tested positive for hepatitis C. His lawyer, Darryl Singer of Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "No patient should walk into a clinic for routine treatment and leave with a life-altering infection. This case is about accountability and ensuring proper medical standards are followed."
Legal Claims and Broader Implications
The lawsuit asserts that the doctor and clinic breached their duty of care by failing to implement adequate infection prevention measures and ensure needle sterilization. It also holds the walk-in clinic liable for the physician's conduct, underscoring the importance of institutional responsibility in healthcare.
In response to the case, the law firm has expressed concerns that other patients may have been affected. They are urging anyone who received similar public health notices or has worries about their care at the clinic to come forward. This call to action aims to identify potential additional victims and reinforce the need for stringent adherence to medical safety protocols.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role infection control plays in medical facilities and the devastating consequences when standards are compromised. As the legal proceedings unfold, it may prompt broader discussions on healthcare oversight and patient protection in Ontario.
