THE Law Society has warned solicitors who plundered compensation for sick and crippled former miners that they could be struck-off and forced to pay back the money.

A hard-hitting statement by the governing body said additional charges levied by some firms could not be justified unless the former miners were properly informed beforehand.

The Law Society is to launch formal investigations into about eight firms, including four in the North-East, against which complaints have been made.

Solicitors found guilty of misconduct could be taken to a disciplinary tribunal, which has the power to impose a £5,000 fine per allegation or stop the firm practising.

More than 100 MPs, including several from the North-East, have signed a parliamentary motion criticising solicitors who have taken up to £8,000 per claim.

They were condemned for charging fees to win compensation for former miners with emphysema or Vibration White Finger, even though legal expenses are paid by the Government.

Some law firms have asked people for a non-refundable registration fee, with some also taking part of the compensation awarded.

The Law Society said it would investigate if there was evidence of solicitors overcharging.

Janet Paraskeva, the society's chief executive, said: "Additional charges in these cases cannot be justified unless clients were given all the information they needed to make an informed decision and unless the additional charge was itself reasonable."

More than 169,000 claims were received for Vibration White Finger, a scheme that closed in December.

Claims for respiratory disease can be made until March. Almost 380,000 claims had been launched by the end of last month.