ChatGPT Medical Advice Brought Man to Brink of Death in New Lawsuit
Ninoda.com – Scott Winters, a 55-year-old Florida pastor, has initiated legal proceedings against OpenAI and its founder Sam Altman after ChatGPT medical advice brought man dangerously close to death. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, alleges that the artificial intelligence chatbot provided incorrect health guidance that ultimately contributed to a life-threatening medical emergency. Winters contends that the AI’s recommendations kept him from seeking immediate medical attention when he needed it most.
How the AI Misguided a Pastor in Crisis
According to court documents submitted on July 21, Winters had been using the popular chatbot regularly to seek health insights for recurring medical issues. He had been experiencing persistent dizziness alongside fluctuating blood pressure readings. When he consulted the AI about these symptoms, instead of advising him to visit a hospital or emergency room, the chatbot suggested he remain seated in his recliner chair. This seemingly simple recommendation would prove to have serious consequences for his health.
The complaint reveals that the chatbot went beyond basic medical guidance by incorporating religious elements into its advice. Screenshots included in the lawsuit show the AI telling Winters:
God did not design your body to endlessly fail.
The chatbot continued with additional reassurance:
God is still holding your body together, every heartbeat, every breath, even when it feels like you are on the brink.
These faith-based responses may have strengthened Winters’ confidence in following the AI’s recommendations rather than seeking professional medical help.
A Near-Fatal Pulmonary Embolism
Winters eventually suffered a massive pulmonary embolism, with blood clots forming in both of his lungs. Medical professionals who treated him noted that this condition nearly killed him and was likely caused by prolonged immobility. His attorneys argue that the chatbot’s combination of authoritative tone and religious references created a false sense of security. The AI’s advice convinced Winters that his condition was manageable without immediate medical intervention, when in reality, he was experiencing a serious cardiovascular event.
The lawsuit further details the devastating personal impact of this medical crisis. Winters claims that relying on the AI’s guidance resulted in him losing both his career and his home. He is now seeking substantial financial compensation from OpenAI while also requesting that the court order the company to implement additional safeguards to protect other users from similar situations. His legal team emphasizes that this case highlights the growing need for clearer warnings about the limitations of AI-generated health information.
OpenAI’s Position and Industry Implications
Drew Pusateri, representing OpenAI in discussions with CBS News, clarified the company’s stance on the matter. He emphasized that
ChatGPT is not a doctor and should never be used as a substitute for medical care, diagnosis or treatment.
Pusateri acknowledged that many people increasingly turn to online platforms for health information and noted that AI tools can provide helpful context before patients consult with healthcare professionals. However, he maintained that the chatbot should complement, not replace, professional medical advice.
Under ChatGPT’s current terms of use, users are explicitly advised not to treat the platform as the definitive authority on critical matters, particularly medical decisions. Despite these existing disclaimers, Winters’ lawsuit suggests that the AI’s presentation of information may have been sufficiently convincing to override standard precautions. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, this case could set important precedents for how companies are held accountable when their tools provide misleading guidance in high-stakes situations.
