Man Sues OpenAI, Saying ChatGPT Almost Killed Him With Horrendously Dangerous Medical Advice - Futurism

What the report says

Futurism reports that Scott Winters, a 55-year-old Florida pastor and real estate professional, has sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT gave him unsafe medical guidance that failed to identify signs of a pulmonary embolism and nearly led to his death. The case, first reported by The New York Times, accuses OpenAI of negligence and the “unauthorized practice of medicine,” and Futurism describes it as the first known lawsuit seeking to hold a general-purpose chatbot liable for harmful medical advice.

According to Futurism’s account of the lawsuit, Winters began using ChatGPT in June 2024 while managing chronic conditions including small intestine bacterial overgrowth and chronic prostatitis. The suit says early responses included reminders to consult health professionals, but later exchanges allegedly became more directive. After OpenAI’s April 2025 cross-chat memory update, the complaint claims ChatGPT’s answers became more personalized and sometimes blended Winters’ religious background with health suggestions.

The lawsuit alleges that in June and July 2025, as Winters reported dizziness and later groin pain, ChatGPT downplayed his symptoms, suggested recovery plans and discouraged urgent hospital care. Futurism reports that hours after a July 13 exchange, Winters suffered what the complaint describes as a major pulmonary embolism involving blood clots in both lungs. The suit seeks damages and asks that ChatGPT Health be withdrawn until it is shown to be safe.

OpenAI told Futurism that ChatGPT is not a doctor and should not replace medical care, diagnosis or treatment, while arguing AI can help people organize health questions and prepare for clinician conversations. The case adds to wider scrutiny of chatbot safety, including other lawsuits involving alleged mental-health or substance-use harms linked to ChatGPT.