Lawsuit Being Filed Over Wrongful Death Caused By Illegal Pulley System

The family of Young-Kil Sim, the man who was killed in an accident involving an illegal pulley system on April 2, is filing a lawsuit against the businesses operating the makeshift pulley system.

Sim was delivering shopping bags to the basement of the KP Farm Market on Nostrand Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn when he was crushed by a jury-rigged elevator being operated by two workers, said Attorney Mark Bernstein and city officials.

Sim, 62, was rushed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, where he was pronounced dead. He left behind a wife and two children.

Two workers were using the pulley system to raise and lower goods between the first floor and the basement when Sim was caught under the platform. The pulley was installed illegally, according to the Department of Buildings spokesperson, and is lacking in the safeguards needed to operate it safely. The DOB spokesperson added that they were not aware of the contraption and that the building’s owner and tenants have been ordered to cease use of the hoist immediately.

Sim’s wife was outside of the KP Farm Market waiting for him when the fatal accident occurred. Somebody brought her down to the basement where she witnessed her husband’s head being crushed by the pulley platform.

“This horrific accident happened only because these businesses cut corners to save money and installed a lethal hoist mechanism,” Bernstein said. “Mr. Sim was tragically killed because of their cost-cutting negligence and we will hold them responsible in court.”

“His family is absolutely devastated,” Bernstein added. “We want to help Mr. Sim’s wife and two children and send a message to everyone that this type of business practice is unacceptable.”

Sim’s family and their representatives are preparing to file a lawsuit against the building’s owner and KP Farm Market, which leases the space, citing negligence that resulted in the wrongful death of Sim. The suit will move forward after a court appoints someone to control Sim’s estate, Bernstein said.