My name is Magdalena. This is the story of my son Julian and how a single, ordinary day at a playground changed our lives forever.
Julian was not yet two years old when the accident happened. We were at a playground in Mariánské Lázně — a place I trusted to be safe. He climbed a slide, a piece of equipment any parent expects to be harmless. But that slide gave way. A weld failed beneath him, and Julian suffered a severe injury to his left index finger.
Igor and I rushed him to the ambulance and then to the hospital. I still remember the feeling of helplessness — the hours slipping by while we waited for treatment. Later, the defense would point to an alleged delay between noon and 3:00 PM as a factor, but for us every minute felt like an eternity.
The police documented the scene and found clear evidence that the slide was defective. They photographed the equipment and the surrounding area; one photograph even showed a fresh shoe print near the failed weld. Despite this, the police chose not to bring criminal charges.
With no criminal case, we turned to the civil courts. We filed a lawsuit against the City of Mariánské Lázně seeking compensation for the lasting harm Julian suffered. Our claim is not only about money — it is about responsibility and making sure another family does not go through what we did.
Why we sued
The slide was dangerously constructed: insufficient welds and inappropriate materials made it unsafe for children.
The City, as operator of the playground, had a duty to ensure regular inspections and to protect children in public spaces.
It is unreasonable to expect parents to carry out a technical safety inspection before every use — a child cannot judge these hidden dangers.
What the City says
The City blames parental supervision and argues it met inspection standards.
They contest some expert opinions, saying the damaged slide was removed and could not be examined later.
The City argues that constant patrols of public spaces are impractical and that adults are responsible for supervising young children.
We were offered a settlement that required us to drop the lawsuit; we refused. For us, this fight is about accountability and about ensuring justice for Julian.
The hearing on September 10, 2025 concluded and the next proceeding is scheduled for November 24, 2025. More witnesses will be called, including police officers and the slide's manufacturers. We will keep fighting until the truth is fully heard.
I am sharing our story so other parents know the risks and so that responsibility is properly enforced in public places meant for children’s play.