Florida Pastor Sues OpenAI Over ChatGPT's Alleged Role in Delaying Medical Treatment
A Florida pastor named Scott Winters has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company’s AI chatbot, ChatGPT, dismissed his symptoms for six weeks before he suffered a near-fatal pulmonary embolism. According to court documents, Winters began experiencing health issues in 2022 and used ChatGPT from June 2024 onward to seek advice on various topics including health-related concerns. The lawsuit claims that the AI repeatedly downplayed his symptoms—such as dizziness and groin tenderness—and advised him not to be overly concerned. It further alleges that this led Winters to avoid seeking timely medical attention, contributing to a severe pulmonary embolism in July 2025. The complaint includes eight causes of action including product liability, negligence, and violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. The case is significant due to the widespread use of AI chatbots for health inquiries by millions of users globally. Winters’ legal team argues that most people are unaware of what protections—if any—apply when using such tools for medical advice.
Topics: AI ChatGPT healthcare lawsuit OpenAI