Man rejects fruit jar suit settlement

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A Michigan man rejected a $150,000 settlement offer for his suit alleging he was injured by a jar of fruit that exploded while he was opening it.

Darryl Alexander of Southfield, who filed a lawsuit in June 2009 against Del Monte Corp. of Delaware and Kroger Co. of Ohio, rejected the $150,000 settlement offer from the defendants, The Detroit News reported Thursday.

Alexander's suit alleges he was trying to open a jar of Del Monte Orchard Select Premium Mixed Fruit in 2008 and used a screwdriver because the lid would not budge. He said the lid forcefully popped off the jar and struck him in the eye, rendering him unconscious.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, claims Alexander suffered blurred vision in addition to "injuries to his head and face."

The Detroit News said attorney Mary Kalmink, who is representing Del Monte and Kroger in the case, declined to comment.