Scott Winters alleges GPT 4o repeatedly downplayed serious symptoms and discouraged him from seeking professional care before he suffered a pulmonary embolism.
A Florida pastor has sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that medical advice provided by ChatGPT discouraged him from seeking professional care before a near fatal pulmonary embolism, according to a BBC report.
Scott Winters filed the complaint in San Francisco County Superior Court on July 21, seeking financial damages and stronger safeguards for users who consult ChatGPT about medical issues. The claims have not been tested in court.
The lawsuit alleges that Winters regularly consulted GPT-4o about recurring dizziness, unstable blood pressure, and other symptoms. Instead of consistently directing him to medical professionals, the chatbot allegedly advised him to remain at home, limit his movement, and continue recovering from a recliner.
Winters said he followed the guidance despite family members and friends urging him to visit a hospital. The complaint alleges that ChatGPT repeatedly assured him that his symptoms were not serious enough to require urgent care.
The lawsuit also claims the chatbot drew on previous conversations about Winters’ Christian faith when responding to his medical concerns, reinforcing its advice with religious language and increasing his reliance on the platform.
Winters was hospitalized on July 13, 2025, after developing a pulmonary embolism involving blood clots in both lungs. According to the complaint, doctors said the condition was likely connected to his prolonged lack of movement.
His lawyers accuse OpenAI of negligence, product defects, failure to provide adequate warnings, and the unauthorized practice of medicine. The suit also asks the court to require stronger medical safeguards, including terminating conversations when immediate professional assistance is necessary.
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri said ChatGPT should not be treated as a replacement for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. He added that AI can help users find clearer information and prepare questions for conversations with medical professionals.
OpenAI’s terms state that users should not rely on its outputs as their sole source of truth or as a substitute for professional advice, particularly when making important medical decisions.
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