PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- As families of the dead and injured struggle with their grief after one of the country's deadliest fires, some are starting to look for compensation. Lawyers say it won't come easily.

Rhode Island lawyers estimate at least $1 billion worth of lawsuit claims will be filed in the coming months. But they're not as confident that the pockets of those who may be responsible are deep enough to pay.

"The reality is that, at the end of the day, there's going to be a lot of tears," said Ronald Resmini, a Providence attorney representing two of the dozens of people injured when fire swept through The Station nightclub Feb. 20. "Probably more tears than money."

Warwick attorney John Lynch, representing other survivors and families of some of the 97 people killed in the blaze, said it would take several months to get any civil cases ready.

In the meantime, the state's investigation is under way.

"It's appropriate for the state to interview certain witnesses and make certain determinations before we do," Lynch said.

No charges had been filed as of Saturday, but a grand jury is investigating the blaze that started moments after the '80s rock band Great White began playing. Pyrotechnics caught soundproofing material surrounding the stage on fire.