A Florida pastor, Scott Winters, has taken legal action against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing ChatGPT of providing misleading medical advice that prevented him from seeking urgent care, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
According to court documents filed on July 21 in San Francisco County Superior Court, Winters frequently used GPT-4o to discuss symptoms like dizziness and unstable blood pressure. Instead of urging him to see a doctor, the AI allegedly told him to stay home, rest in a recliner, and avoid movement. This guidance went against the advice of his family and friends, who urged him to get medical attention.
The lawsuit highlights that ChatGPT’s responses were influenced by Winters’ Christian faith, using religious language that deepened his trust in the AI's recommendations. Ultimately, Winters was hospitalized on July 13, 2025, with blood clots in both lungs, a condition doctors linked to his prolonged inactivity.
Winters' legal team accuses OpenAI of negligence and unauthorized medical practice, demanding financial compensation and stronger safeguards to prevent AI from dispensing dangerous health advice. They also want the court to force AI platforms to end conversations when urgent care is needed.
OpenAI insists ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Spokesperson Drew Pusateri emphasized that AI tools should only be used to gather information and prepare for discussions with healthcare providers. OpenAI's policies warn users against relying solely on AI for critical medical decisions.
