Could families of Titan victims still sue despite liability waivers?
It's believed that OceanGate made its passengers sign liability waivers before the submersible's voyage - but these might not shield it from legal action, experts have suggested.
CBS reporter David Pogue, who made the Titanic trip with the firm last year, said the waiver he signed mentioned death three times on the first page.
Sky News can't independently verify the terms of any waivers - but there may be reason for a judge to reject it if it isn't ironclad, according to lawyers.
Texas-based personal injury and maritime law expert Matthew D. Shaffer says if "aspects of the design or construction were kept from passengers" or if the vessel was knowingly operated despite being unsuitable for the dive, it could go against the validity of the document.
Ex-Secret Service agent and lawyer Timothy E Allen agrees.
He said "flaws or weaknesses" in the construction of submersibles can lead to "catastrophic failures".
If the cause of the implosion was "inherent defects in the mechanics or engineering, the responsible party may be held liable", Mr Allen explains.
On the other hand, OceanGate could argue that the waivers made clear the dangers involved in the deep-sea trek.
The degree of any possible negligence and the situation with the waivers depends on the cause of the catastrophe, which is still being probed.
None of the families have yet given any indication that they will take legal action. OceanGate did not immediately respond to request for comment.