Florida man sues OpenAI, alleges ChatGPT’s medical advice nearly led to his death

A significant legal case has emerged in San Francisco, where a Florida man has accused OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, of providing misleading medical advice that allegedly contributed to a life-threatening health crisis. Scott Winters, a former pastor, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, claiming that the chatbot’s recommendations discouraged him from seeking timely medical treatment for serious symptoms that led to a critical pulmonary embolism.

Winters claims that ChatGPT, particularly its model ChatGPT-4o, overstepped its bounds by delivering recommendations typically reserved for licensed medical professionals. The lawsuit contends that OpenAI’s prioritization of user engagement and profitability has come at the expense of user safety. According to the plaintiff, ChatGPT presented itself as a medical authority, despite lacking the credentials to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

The pivotal events unfolded in 2025 when Winters turned to the AI model to address persistent bouts of dizziness and fluctuating blood pressure. The chatbot downplayed his symptoms, suggesting that he remain home and rest, rather than seeking medical evaluation. Allegedly following its advice, Winters later experienced a massive pulmonary embolism, with medical professionals attributing his immobilization—encouraged by ChatGPT—to the onset of this potentially fatal condition.

In a distressing twist, the lawsuit asserts that Winters consulted ChatGPT again on the day he experienced the embolism, asking whether discomfort in his groin warranted a hospital visit. The AI purportedly invoked his religious beliefs in an attempt to reassure him, stating that “God did not design your body to endlessly fail.” This communication allegedly occurred just hours before a serious medical event that nearly took Winters’ life.

OpenAI has responded to the accusations by reaffirming that its AI systems are not intended to provide professional medical advice. A spokesperson stated that users should not rely on ChatGPT for medical diagnoses and emphasized the importance of consulting healthcare providers for any health-related concerns.

The lawsuit raises broader implications about the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, calling into question the adequacy of current safeguards and disclaimers that potential users encounter. Winters’ legal team is asking for financial damages as well as a review of the controls surrounding ChatGPT’s medical guidance capabilities, further urging that ChatGPT Health—an OpenAI service designed for health queries—be temporarily halted pending a safety assessment.

OpenAI is no stranger to similar controversies; it has faced previous lawsuits alleging that its platforms have incited unsafe behaviors in individuals seeking information. This latest case underscores the ongoing debate regarding the potential risks associated with AI engagement in sensitive fields, particularly healthcare.

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