He was the eldest son of Mieszko I, Duke of Cieszyn by his wife, probably called Grzymisława.

In 1290, shortly after his father assumed control over the Duchy of Cieszyn, Władysław was named co-ruler by him.

However, and for unknown reasons, after Mieszko I's death in 1315, Władysław didn't receive the capital Cieszyn, but the much less political Oświęcim, which began his later political conflicts with his brother Casimir I.

This also contributed to Władysław's involvements in politics at the side of his namesake the Duke of Kraków, since 1320 King Władysław I the Elbow-high of Poland (in a document of 1315 is called an ally of the Duke of Kraków).

The exact date of Władysław's death is unknown, but is estimated between 1321 and 14 May 1324.