Woman alleges delayed emergency care caused lasting injuries during exam.
A woman who suffered cardiac arrest during the New York State Bar Exam at Hofstra University has filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming the emergency response was delayed and that other test takers were told to keep working while unconscious. The lawsuit was filed in Nassau County on July 29, nearly one year after the medical emergency occurred. Mary Jane Hung, a New Jersey resident, was among roughly 600 people taking the bar exam at Hofstra’s testing site on July 30, 2025. According to the lawsuit, Hung was taking the test when she suddenly suffered a serious heart emergency at about 12:20 p.m. She collapsed on the floor inside the examination room.
The complaint states that Hung showed clear signs of a medical crisis. Her breathing was described as difficult, and she was reportedly gasping for air while her skin turned blue. Other people in the room noticed what was happening and tried to get the attention of exam staff, according to the court filing.
Hung’s lawsuit claims the response did not happen quickly enough. She claims emergency services were not called with the speed expected during such a serious event. It also claims that CPR was not started right away and that an automated external defibrillator (AED) was not quickly brought to the scene. The lawsuit also raises concerns about what happened inside the testing room while Hung was receiving help. According to the complaint, other people taking the exam were instructed to continue answering questions. Those who attempted to help Hung, get assistance or move away from the area were allegedly discouraged or told to return to work while she remained unconscious on the floor.
One person who was taking the bar exam described the situation to Newsday, saying, “That’s a real person who could be dying right in front of us,” while test takers were still expected to finish the exam. The account reflects the conflict faced by those in the room, who were under strict testing rules while another person was experiencing a potentially fatal medical emergency.
Hung’s complaint states that the delay in care caused serious and lasting harm, and that she sustained memory problems and difficulties with thinking after the cardiac arrest. She was also diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation, a dangerous heart rhythm that can cause the heart to stop pumping blood effectively.
The medical emergency also affected Hung’s education and career. The bar exam is required for people seeking admission to practice law, making the incident especially disruptive for someone working toward a legal career. The complaint claims that the effects of the cardiac arrest have continued beyond the original emergency.
Hung is accusing Hofstra University of negligence and premises liability, along with her specific claims involving staff training and supervision. She is seeking financial damages and has requested a jury trial. Hung’s attorney said the case is intended to seek accountability and provide some sense of closure after her traumatic experience.
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New Jersey woman sues Hofstra University over response to her cardiac arrest during bar exam
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