The tragic mistake occurred in March last year. As the family was preparing for the funeral ceremony, it turned out that MZGK employees had switched the bodies. “The body of another woman was delivered for the funeral ceremony,” says Janina Jakubiec, president of the District Court in Bolesławiec. What is more, the body of the stranger was dressed in clothing prepared by the deceased woman’s family.
A scandal broke out. The burial was postponed. Following the incident, MZGK tried to reach a settlement. However, no agreement was reached. The deceased woman’s husband took the case to court. He sought PLN 40,000 in compensation.
The judgment was delivered on 20 March. The District Court in Bolesławiec ruled that the company must pay the injured party PLN 20,000.
The court proceedings showed that the company had taken a number of measures to prevent a similar mistake in the future. “The defendant now very carefully labels and sorts information concerning people who are to be buried,” says Janina Jakubiec.
(KG/GA report)