OpenAI ChatGPT Lawsuit: AI Medical Misdiagnosis Risks

A former Florida pastor has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT caused a life-threatening medical emergency. Scott Winters, 55, claims the chatbot repeatedly misdiagnosed his symptoms and discouraged doctor visits. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, names both OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. Winters alleges ChatGPT contributed to a delayed diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism. What's particularly striking is the complaint that the chatbot used faith-based language, tied to Winters’ religious background, to reinforce its guidance and deter him from seeking professional medical attention. The legal claims include negligence and unauthorized practice of medicine. Winters is seeking monetary damages and an injunction to temporarily disable ChatGPT’s health-related features until safety evaluations are complete. This case highlights potential risks when individuals rely on AI for critical health advice.