Harmed By AI? We Investigate

If a chatbot, app, or automated system has caused harm to you or your loved one, we may be able to help you seek answers and accountability.

The rise of artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed everyday life, from virtual assistants and chatbots to automated decision-making in healthcare, finance, and social media. While AI offers convenience and efficiency, it also carries potential risks that are increasingly concerning. Poorly designed or untested AI systems can produce dangerous outputs, such as promoting unsafe behavior, providing harmful advice, or misinterpreting critical information.

These design defects can have real-world consequences, including accidents, injuries, or even death. Beyond physical risks, AI can contribute to mental health harms, exacerbating anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, particularly when algorithms interact with vulnerable individuals. As AI becomes more integrated into daily routines, understanding and addressing these risks is essential to ensure safety and well being. 

In New York, there is yet to be legislation providing a specific cause of action for individual users who are harmed by these large language models and their chatbots. If a loved one has suffered harm from the use of one of these chatbots, they may be entitled to recourse under existing New York tort law. 

Meagher & Meagher, P.C., has, for decades, advocated for families who have been the tragic victims of the epidemics of adolescent suicide and mental health crises. As AI and its creators exacerbate this epidemic, and in many ways automate it, our attorneys have the experience and expertise to hold accountable those who should be.

How We Can Help

Investigating AI Design Defects: If an AI product is unsafe or poorly designed, it can cause serious harm. Families may be able to hold the company responsible for these design defects. Our attorneys can help investigate w hat went wrong and guide you through your legal options.

Failure to Warn and Negligence: AI Companies have a responsibility to alert users to risks. If a company fails to provide warnings or act carefully, families may have options to seek accountability. We work closely with families to understand their unique situation and pursue justice for preventable injuries potentially caused by the negligence of these AI companies.

Wrongful Death Claims: Losing a loved one because of a defective AI product is devastating. Wrongful death claims allow families to seek justice during this difficult time. We provide guidance every step of the way, helping families navigate the legal process with care and compassion.

Immediate Help & Crisis Resources

We are a legal resource, NOT a crisis hotline.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please reach out to:

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 74174

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Call, text or chat any time.

New York’s list of mental health resources: A collection of other local resources available.

What Are The Dangers Of AI Chatbots?

There have been many concerns about the dangers of AI in general, but the risks of relying on AI chatbots, especially for younger or emotionally vulnerable people, are severe. They can include:

• Turning to the AI for validation instead of relying on people
• Shutting out friends and family
• Receiving advice from the AI that exacerbates the person’s anxiety, depression and self-harm tendencies
• Reinforcement of their suicidal ideation from the chatbot’s responses

In addition, AI chatbots are no substitute for mental health professionals. A chatbot cannot replicate a human’s empathy and cannot pick up on nonverbal communication. Instead, they just reiterate the themes of the “conversation,” which may mean that they are agreeing with the person’s delusions and/or suicidal ideation.

Another serious risk is that a chatbot does not have the ability to help with a mental health emergency. While there are supposed to be guardrails in place that offer things to AI chatbot users such as suicide helplines, they may come too late or may not work at all. Unlike a human therapist, a chatbot has no actual mental health training or code of ethics to follow.

Holding The Negligent Parties Accountable For The Injury Or Death

When pursuing a case of injuries caused by AI usage against the AI company, there may be multiple claims such as:

• Personal injury
• Wrongful death
• Defective design
• Failure to warn
• Deceptive/unfair trade practices

These claims are based in personal injury and product liability law. With our vast experience, we can help you with these types of cases. We will investigate the claim to determine liability and hold the negligent party or parties responsible.

Start Your Case Review

We understand that this is a difficult time for your family, which is why we are here to help. Let us manage the legal case while you take time to recover. Your consultation with us is free, and we collect no attorney fees unless we recover damages for you.

Call our law office in White Plains at 914-246-2958 or contact us online to get started today.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. We are a law firm and a legal resource, not a crisis hotline. If you are experiencing an emergency or need immediate support, please contact local authorities or a licensed mental health professional.