A Lafayette man is suing a local McDonalds franchise owner for more than $47,000 to fix the teeth he claims he damaged when he bit into a piece of jewelery in his french fries.

Ralph Betts attorney, Spencer Kelly of Portland, said his client isnt interested in getting rich by diving into deep pockets.

He sustained an injury to his teeth, and we want to get his teeth fixed, Kelly said. Thats what our whole purpose is.

Betts in his suit claims he placed an order to go the evening of Aug. 19, 2010, at the McDonalds at Arrowhead Truck Plaza on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Exit 216, Interstate 84, about six miles east of Pendleton.

Betts, as he drove west on the interstate, bit into a handful of french fries and in doing so bit into an earring, the lawsuit states. The earring was in some manner lodged within the french fries.

A partial denture broke, one tooth fractured and ?Betts required a root canal on another, his suit claims. Betts is seeking a total of $47,009: $35,000 for emotional distress, discomfort, inconvenience and interference with normal and useful activities, $332 for medical expenses and another $11,677 to cover a bid to fix his teeth.

Beau Willadsen of La Grande, owner of the McDonalds in La Grande, Pendleton and at the truck plaza, said he couldnt say much about Betts claim.

We turn all that stuff over to our insurance carrier, and we work with the attorneys they hire, Willadsen said. John Barhourn of Portland, the attorney representing Willadsen, declined comment.

The East Oregonian was unable to reach Betts for comment.

Betts lawsuit, filed Jan. 11 in Multnomah County Circuit Court, was moved Feb. 28 to Umatilla County on Feb. 28. Spencer said depositions begin July 13. No hearings have been scheduled.

Contact Phil Wright at pwright@eastoregonian.com or 541-966-0833.