Ontario Parents Sue Halton Healthcare After Son’s Death in ER
A grieving Ontario family is taking legal action against Halton Healthcare after their 16-year-old son, Finlay, died following what they allege was a critical delay in emergency care.
In early February 2024, Finlay was rushed to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital suffering from a severe migraine. His condition reportedly worsened while he waited hours to be seen. According to his mother, repeated pleas for urgent attention were ignored, and her son was left in agony without timely treatment.
Despite being triaged as a high-priority patient, the family claims Finlay was not assessed by a doctor for several hours—far beyond the recommended timeframe. Legal counsel representing the family said Finlay’s death was entirely preventable.
“This was a treatable condition. Had he been treated within the guidelines, he would still be here today,” said the family’s lawyer.
The lawsuit accuses hospital staff of failing to follow proper emergency protocols, neglecting to monitor the patient adequately, and miscommunicating vital medical information.
In response, Halton Healthcare emphasized their commitment to patient care across all their facilities, including hospitals in Oakville, Milton, and Georgetown. Officials acknowledged that rising patient volumes and system pressures have strained emergency services, but said improvements are underway—including a centralized Command Centre and new medical leadership.
Meanwhile, the family has launched a public awareness campaign called “Finlay’s Voice” to advocate for policy changes, accountability in emergency medicine, and stronger protections for patients.
