The High Court has heard a 63-year-old man died after he was treated for a toe infection. It was alleged John Devereux died after the treatment he was prescribed for a toe infection clashed with his heart medication.

Details of his death 5 years ago emerged as his 62-year-old widow, Margaret, settled her action for damages against the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE maintained that Mr. Devereux was treated in accordance with proper practice initially at South Tipperary General Hospital and later at Cork University Hospital where he died in March 2008.

Mrs. Devereux - from Greenrath in Co. Tipperary - received €45,000 compensation for her distress and loss.

Approving the settlement Ms. Justice Mary Irvine called it a tragic case, but noted that liability could have proved difficult to establish and that there was a risk the widow could have lost her case.