St James’s Hospital in Dublin has issued a formal apology for the medical errors that led to the death of 53-year-old Martin Staines, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after a steroid injection. The settlement, reached after a legal case that took nearly a decade to settle, ends a tragic case involving a father of five whose death was described by his family as completely preventable.
The incident happened on July 31, 2015, when Staines sought treatment for a persistent ankle injury from a fall years earlier. During the procedure, he received a steroid injection that contained polyethylene glycol (PEG), a substance he was known to be severely allergic to. According to his legal counsel, Michael Counihan SC, the hospital should have known about the allergy. Staines went into shock shortly after the injection and later died, causing shock and distress to his family.
The High Court heard that the hospital failed to properly record or review Staines’ documented allergy history. The legal claim highlighted a significant lapse in care, including a failure to clearly list and record all substances to which he was allergic. The court was also told that Staines had previously suffered an allergic reaction to a PEG-containing steroid treatment.
In a letter of apology read to the court by Declan Buckley SC, the hospital expressed deep regret over the loss of life. The letter stated: “The loss of your husband is deeply regretted by all staff and management at the hospital, especially those who were involved in his care.” The hospital added: “We apologise for the failings that led to the death of Mr Staines… we are truly sorry for the pain and distress caused to you.”
Lorraine Staines, the widow of the deceased, paid tribute to her husband of 35 years, describing him as her “best friend” and a “huge presence” who brought laughter and love to those around him. She told Justice Paul Coffey that her husband died from “an allergy that was well documented,” and said the death “should have been completely preventable.”
The family also spoke of the emotional toll of waiting years for legal resolution. Mrs Staines described the “overwhelming grief” of reliving the events of that day over a decade. She expressed hope that the outcome might lead to improvements in hospital systems so that other families would not experience a similar loss.
While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, the High Court approved a €35,000 ($40,000) payment for mental distress. Justice Coffey expressed sympathy for the family and described the circumstances as an unusual and tragic case that resulted in an avoidable loss of life.
Our thoughts are with Mrs. Staines and her family, who waited more than ten years for their case to be heard in court. We hope the judgment offers them some closure.
If you or a loved one needs medical treatment and has a severe allergy to a food, a drug, an environmental substance such as latex, or insect venom, make sure to have a printed list of your allergens ready for medical staff when you arrive. Being prepared can help prevent unlikely tragedies.
