FAIL · AI INCIDENT TRACKER

wire / 2026-10-17-c5d4

ChatGPT Medical Advice Linked to San Francisco Man's Hospitalization; Lawsuit Filed Against OpenAI

October 17, 2026 · USA INCIDENT PHYSICALPSYCHOLOGICAL

David Rosenthal followed ChatGPT's medication advice and ended up in hospital, then in court with OpenAI. The chatbot did not have a license to lose.

The facts

David Rosenthal, a 39-year-old in San Francisco, was hospitalized after following ChatGPT's unauthorized and incorrect medical advice regarding medication use. The incident, which worsened his mental health, led Rosenthal to sue OpenAI, highlighting the risks of AI systems providing unlicensed medical guidance.