Ed Lauter's relatives have filed a lawsuit over allegations the actor's cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos in Tv studios.

The Artist star died in October (13) at the age of 74 after a battle with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibres, often found in building insulation.

Lauter's family has now filed a lawsuit targeting America's CBS network and General Electric (Ge) - the company which used to own NBC, among others.

The lawsuit alleges the star was exposed to asbestos in the networks' facilities while working on numerous Tv shows over the years, according to Tmz.com.