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 lawyer 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 criminal investigation is under way.

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, and the flames and smoke quickly spread. Fire officials said the building was engulfed within three minutes.

“The most culpable people seem to be the owners of the bar and the band,” said attorney Mark Decof, also representing victims. “But it would appear there is wholly inadequate coverage there. So you have to look elsewhere — starting with the products involve.”

Civil lawyers could go after the manufacturers of the pyrotechnics or the soundproofing material that it ignited. Concert promoters, even the architects of the building — constructed in the early 1940s — are potential defendants, Decof said.