ChatGPT Medical Advice Lawsuit: Near-Fatal PE Claim

A Florida man is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, claiming medical advice from ChatGPT nearly caused his death. The man, Scott Winters, alleges the chatbot repeatedly discouraged him from seeking medical care for symptoms that led to a near-fatal pulmonary embolism. Winters, a former pastor, filed the lawsuit in San Francisco County Superior Court. He claims ChatGPT frequently offered medical opinions and assessments, despite lacking the qualifications. The lawsuit states the platform "repeatedly and insistently misdiagnosed" him. Winters reportedly relied on ChatGPT for medical advice, resisting calls from family and friends to visit a hospital. He consulted the chatbot about dizzy spells and blood pressure instability. The lawsuit claims ChatGPT even advised him to remain in a recliner chair, despite his worsening health. He later suffered a massive pulmonary embolism due to blood clots. Winters is seeking financial damages and wants OpenAI to implement safeguards. OpenAI states that ChatGPT is not a doctor and should not be used as a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. This case highlights the critical need to consult real medical professionals for health concerns.