As artificial intelligence rapidly moves from novelty to everyday companion, one Florida man’s lawsuit is fueling a much deeper conversation: At what point does convenience become dangerous dependence?
According to CBS News, a Florida man has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that guidance he received from ChatGPT delayed him from seeking emergency medical care, contributing to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. CBS, citing court filings, reports that the complaint alleges the chatbot repeatedly minimized the seriousness of his symptoms and encouraged him to remain at home rather than seek immediate treatment.
The plaintiff, Scott Winters, who is a former pastor, alleges he turned to ChatGPT-4o after experiencing symptoms that included items such as shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, dizziness and groin pain. According to CBS News, the lawsuit claims the chatbot suggested his condition was consistent with non-emergency ailments, encouraged him to rest in a recliner and limit his movement, and at times discouraged him from going to the emergency room despite worsening symptoms.
The lawsuit alleges Winters followed those recommendations for weeks before ultimately seeking medical attention. Doctors later diagnosed him with a pulmonary embolism—a dangerous blood clot in the lungs. According to the complaint, physicians told him that prolonged inactivity likely contributed to the severity of his condition.
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CBS News reports that the lawsuit accuses OpenAI of negligence, product liability and failing to implement adequate safeguards to prevent ChatGPT from providing what the complaint characterizes as medical guidance beyond its intended use. The suit also seeks damages and requests court-ordered changes that would require the chatbot to direct users experiencing signs of a medical emergency to seek immediate professional care.
The complaint further alleges that ChatGPT used Christian language and spiritual encouragement throughout portions of its conversations with Winters, which the lawsuit claims strengthened his trust in the chatbot’s recommendations.
OpenAI disputed the allegations, telling CBS News that ChatGPT is not intended to replace licensed medical professionals. The company said users should always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding medical concerns and stated it continues working to improve the safety of its AI systems.
The case arrives as AI tools become increasingly common sources of information for millions of users. While many appreciate their convenience, experts have repeatedly cautioned that chatbots can generate inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information, particularly in complex fields such as medicine, law and mental health.
This story also serves as a timely reminder that wisdom should never be divorced from discernment. Technology can be a useful tool, but it was never designed to replace the God-given expertise of trained physicians or the counsel of trusted professionals.
Scripture reminds us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14, MEV).
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, Christians are called to approach new technologies with both gratitude and caution—embracing innovation while refusing to surrender wisdom, discernment or personal responsibility. When it comes to our health, no chatbot should ever become our physician.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
