Hempstead, New York — A New Jersey woman who suffered a life-threatening cardiac arrest while taking the New York State Bar Exam at Hofstra University has filed a lawsuit accusing the university and personnel overseeing the examination of failing to respond quickly enough to her medical emergency.
Mary Jane Hung filed the complaint in Nassau County court on July 29, alleging that she collapsed during the exam while hundreds of other candidates were still being instructed to continue answering questions.
Woman Collapsed During Bar Exam
According to the lawsuit, Hung arrived at Hofstra University on July 30, 2025, to take the New York State Bar Exam alongside approximately 600 other candidates.
The examination rules required test takers to remain seated and follow strict instructions throughout the session. At approximately 12:20 p.m., Hung allegedly suffered a sudden and severe cardiac emergency.
The complaint states that she collapsed on the floor of the examination hall while experiencing symptoms that included difficult breathing, gasping for air and her skin turning blue.
Those around her reportedly noticed that something was seriously wrong. Several fellow candidates allegedly attempted to alert exam personnel and seek assistance.
Lawsuit Claims Emergency Response Was Delayed
Hung’s lawsuit alleges that despite the obvious signs of a potentially fatal emergency, 911 and campus emergency personnel were not summoned with sufficient urgency.
The complaint further claims that CPR was not immediately administered and that an automated external defibrillator, or AED, was not promptly retrieved or used.
Perhaps most significantly, Hung alleges that the examination itself continued while she remained unconscious on the floor.
According to the complaint, candidates who attempted to help her, obtain assistance or move away from the scene were allegedly discouraged or admonished.
The filing states that “The examination session continued while [Hung] remained unconscious on the floor.”
Woman Says She Suffered Permanent Injuries
Hung claims the alleged delay in emergency treatment resulted in severe, permanent and life-altering injuries.
The lawsuit says she subsequently experienced memory loss and cognitive impairment and was diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm abnormality that can cause cardiac arrest.
The medical emergency also reportedly disrupted her education and professional plans. Hung’s complaint accuses Hofstra of negligence, premises liability, negligent training and negligent supervision.
She is seeking compensatory damages and has requested a jury trial.
Fellow Test Taker Questioned Why Exam Continued
The circumstances described in the lawsuit have also drawn attention from people who were inside the testing room.
One candidate who spoke about the incident previously questioned how the exam could continue while another person appeared to be experiencing a potentially fatal medical crisis.
“That’s a real person who could be dying right in front of us, and we’re still being expected to continue to finish our questions for this exam,” the test taker said.
The comment reflects the central issue raised in Hung’s lawsuit: whether exam procedures were prioritized over an immediate medical response.
Hofstra Gives Different Account of Emergency Response
Hofstra University has previously offered a substantially different account of what happened.
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A university representative told last year that Hofstra Public Safety officers immediately provided life-saving emergency care, including CPR and defibrillation, until paramedics arrived and transported Hung to a local hospital.
The school also expressed sympathy for Hung and her loved ones and wished her a full and speedy recovery. The university had not immediately provided a response to the newly filed litigation at the time of the latest report.
Lawsuit Seeks Accountability
Hung’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, said the lawsuit is intended to seek accountability and help bring closure following what he described as a traumatic experience for his client.
The case now places the university’s emergency procedures and the actions of personnel present during the examination under legal scrutiny.
For Hung, the consequences extend beyond the courtroom. The lawsuit says the medical emergency affected her health, memory, education and career, turning what was supposed to be an important professional milestone into a life-changing ordeal.
The allegations remain claims in a pending civil lawsuit, and the case has not yet been decided by a court.
Do you think a standardized test should immediately be stopped when a candidate suffers a life-threatening medical emergency? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
