S. Epatha Merkerson sues for millions over apartment dispute

Longtime Law & Order star S. Epatha Merkerson has filed a $9 million lawsuit over allegations her life was endangered by risky renovations on her New York City apartment.

The actress, who left the hit cop show in 2010 after 16 years on air, has sued the co-op board and manager of the building where she lives in Manhattan's Riverside Drive, claiming she was put at risk when ventilation to her gas stove was sealed off without her knowledge.

Merkerson filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court alleging the respondents left her "in jeopardy of her life as the gases could have backed up, exploded or otherwise caused serious harm," according to the New York Daily News.

In the legal papers, she claims to have suffered numerous problems with the home, which she bought for $1.7 million in 2002, including a wrecked roof, water damage and mould, and insists she has been unable to find a buyer to take it on.

The actress is demanding up to $9 million in damages.