Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Florida Pastor Sues OpenAI Over ChatGPT Medical Advice
A Florida pastor named Scott Winters sued OpenAI because he believes that the AI chatbot ChatGPT gave him bad medical advice.
The chatbot told him that his symptoms were not serious and that he should not go to the doctor.
Because of this, he did not get the medical help he needed and ended up with a very serious condition called a pulmonary embolism.
The lawsuit says that ChatGPT's safety features did not work properly and that the chatbot should not be giving medical advice.
OpenAI says that ChatGPT is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions and that people should not rely on it for medical advice.
The lawsuit is asking for money to cover the damages and wants to stop ChatGPT from giving medical advice until it is safe.
Florida pastor Scott Winters sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over alleged dangerous medical advice from ChatGPT.
The lawsuit claims ChatGPT discouraged Winters from seeking medical care, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
ChatGPT allegedly dismissed warning signs and provided reassurance that symptoms were not serious.
OpenAI argues that ChatGPT is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment and that users should not rely on it for such purposes.
The lawsuit seeks financial damages and requests a halt on ChatGPT Health until it is deemed safe by independent experts.
- Who
- Scott Winters, a Florida pastor, sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman.
- What
- The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT provided dangerous medical advice that delayed life-saving treatment.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on July 22, 2024, regarding an incident on July 13, 2025.
- Where
- The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California in San Francisco.
- Why
- The plaintiff claims that ChatGPT's advice led to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Plaintiff's Perspective
OpenAI's Defense
Liability for Medical Advice
Plaintiff's Perspective
OpenAI and Sam Altman are negligent for providing medical advice that delayed life-saving treatment.
OpenAI's Defense
ChatGPT is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment, and users should not rely on it for such purposes.
Effectiveness of Safety Measures
Plaintiff's Perspective
ChatGPT's safety measures failed to function reliably, discouraging the plaintiff from seeking medical care.
OpenAI's Defense
Newer AI models are better at recognizing situations that require professional medical care.
- Plaintiff
- Scott Winters
- Defendant
- OpenAI and Sam Altman
- Court
- Superior Court of California, San Francisco
- Filing Date
- July 22, 2024
- Alleged Incident Date
- July 13, 2025
- Medical Condition
- Massive pulmonary embolism
- Legal Representation
- Tech Justice Law
