Burlington Clinic Faces $5M Lawsuit Over Hepatitis C Outbreak

Allegedly unsterile needles used at Halton Family Health Centre exposed patients to blood-borne illness

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:58am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a medical syringe and needle, glowing against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the importance of sterile medical equipment.An X-ray image of a medical syringe and needle highlights the critical need for sterile equipment in healthcare settings.Burlington Today

A $5 million lawsuit has been filed against the Halton Family Health Centre in Burlington, Ontario, and Dr. Timothy Salter, alleging that the clinic used unsterile needles and exposed patients, including Darwin Allen, to a hepatitis C outbreak. The lawsuit claims negligence, vicarious liability, and breach of fiduciary duty, highlighting the devastating impact of the alleged systemic failures at the clinic.

Why it matters

This case underscores the importance of accountability in the healthcare system and the need for strict adherence to infection control protocols. The silent threat of hepatitis C, which can go undetected for years, raises concerns about the potential long-term consequences of such medical negligence and the need for vigilance from both patients and medical professionals.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Darwin Allen sought treatment for a cut heel at the Halton Family Health Centre, but was allegedly injected with a non-sterile needle, leading to him contracting hepatitis C. The lawsuit claims that the clinic was using unsterile needles with multidose vials, a practice that could have exposed numerous patients to blood-borne illnesses. The $5 million lawsuit, filed by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, accuses the clinic and Dr. Salter of negligence, vicarious liability, and breach of fiduciary duty.

  • In April 2026, the $5 million lawsuit was filed against the Halton Family Health Centre and Dr. Timothy Salter.
  • The lawsuit alleges that Darwin Allen contracted hepatitis C during a visit to the clinic in 2023.

The players

Darwin Allen

A Burlington resident who allegedly contracted hepatitis C after visiting the Halton Family Health Centre for a cut heel.

Dr. Timothy Salter

A physician at the Halton Family Health Centre who is accused of using a non-sterile needle to inject Darwin Allen, leading to the hepatitis C infection.

Halton Family Health Centre

A medical clinic in Burlington, Ontario, that is facing a $5 million lawsuit for allegedly using unsterile needles and exposing patients to a hepatitis C outbreak.

Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

The law firm that filed the $5 million lawsuit against the Halton Family Health Centre and Dr. Timothy Salter.

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What they’re saying

“It's about ensuring proper medical standards are followed. This is crucial for maintaining public trust in our healthcare system.”

— Darryl Singer, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently being heard in the Ontario Superior Court, and the court will decide on the merits of the case and the potential damages to be awarded to Darwin Allen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of alleged medical negligence and the importance of strict adherence to infection control protocols in healthcare settings. It serves as a wake-up call for both patients and medical professionals to prioritize safety and accountability in the healthcare system.