Florida Pastor Sues OpenAI, Claims ChatGPT Medical Advice Led to Near-Fatal Embolism

A Florida pastor has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming that medical advice from ChatGPT discouraged him from seeking emergency treatment and ultimately left him fighting for his life. According to the lawsuit as reported by BBC, Scott Winters, a 55-year-old pastor, alleges that ChatGPT repeatedly assured him he did not need medical attention despite experiencing serious symptoms in the weeks leading up to a near-fatal pulmonary embolism.

Pastor claims ChatGPT repeatedly discouraged medical treatment

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court on July 21, states that Winters had become a regular ChatGPT user and increasingly relied on the AI chatbot for medical guidance. According to court documents, he consulted ChatGPT about recurring dizziness and fluctuating blood pressure. Rather than urging him to seek immediate medical care, the lawsuit alleges the chatbot repeatedly misdiagnosed his condition and even advised him to remain in the recliner where he had become largely confined due to his worsening health. His lawyers argue that the chatbot's responses convinced him that visiting a hospital was unnecessary, despite repeated pleas from family members and friends.

'God did not design your body to endlessly fail'

One of the central claims in the lawsuit is that ChatGPT incorporated references to Winters' Christian faith while responding to his health concerns. According to screenshots included in the complaint, the chatbot allegedly told him, "God did not design your body to endlessly fail." Another response reportedly read, "God is still holding your body together, every heartbeat, every breath, even when it feels like you are on the brink." His lawyers argue that the chatbot's reassuring tone, combined with references to his religious beliefs, created a dangerous sense of trust and dependence. They claim ChatGPT's "sycophantic nature and authoritative tone" manipulated Winters into believing medical treatment was unnecessary and even potentially harmful.

Near-fatal pulmonary embolism

The lawsuit says Winters later suffered a massive pulmonary embolism caused by multiple blood clots in both lungs. Doctors reportedly told him the condition was likely linked to prolonged immobility after remaining confined to his chair for an extended period. According to the complaint, the incident brought him "to the brink of death" and has left him requiring years of physical and psychological rehabilitation. Winters also claims the ordeal caused him to lose both his home and career.

OpenAI responds

Responding to the lawsuit, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri told the BBC's US news partner CBS News that ChatGPT should never replace professional medical advice. "ChatGPT is not a doctor and should never be used as a substitute for medical care, diagnosis or treatment," he said. Pusateri added that while many people seek health information online, AI can help users better understand information, prepare questions and have more informed conversations with healthcare professionals.

Lawsuit seeks damages and stronger safeguards

Winters is seeking financial compensation and wants the court to require OpenAI to introduce stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents involving other users. OpenAI's terms of use already caution users against relying on ChatGPT as the sole source of truth for decisions involving areas such as healthcare, legal matters, employment, finance and housing, advising users to consult qualified professionals before making important decisions.