Family members are a part of the support network that people have. This includes emotional support, as well as more tangible support such as financial or resid

Family members are a part of the support network that people have. This includes emotional support, as well as more tangible support such as financial or residential, as well as informational support (family members teaching each other about society and life) and social support (for instance family members refering each other to friends or professionals (lawyers, doctors, carpenters, etc)). When somebodies family member is killed, their support network is reduced. Financial compensation can help to offset the damage done to their support network. It's not just about making people feel better.