Section 25363 Of Article 6. Recovery Actions From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 20. >> Chapter 6.8. >> Article 6.
25363
. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (e), a party found
liable for costs recoverable under this chapter who establishes by a
preponderance of the evidence that only a portion of those costs are
attributable to that party's actions shall be required to pay only
for that portion.
(b) Except as provided in subdivision (e), if the trier of fact
finds the evidence insufficient to establish each party's portion of
costs under subdivision (a), the court shall apportion those costs,
to the extent practicable, according to equitable principles, among
the defendants.
(c) The standard of liability for costs recoverable pursuant to
this chapter is strict liability.
(d) A person who has incurred response or corrective action costs
in accordance with this chapter, Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section
25100), or the federal act may seek contribution or indemnity from
any person who is liable pursuant to this chapter. An action to
enforce a claim may be brought as a cross-complaint by any defendant
in an action brought pursuant to Section 25360 or this section, or in
a separate action after the person seeking contribution or indemnity
has paid response or corrective action costs in accordance with this
chapter, Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100), or the federal
act. A plaintiff or cross-complainant seeking contribution or
indemnity shall give written notice to the director upon filing an
action or cross-complaint under this section. In resolving claims for
contribution or indemnity, the court may allocate costs among liable
parties using appropriate equitable factors.
(e) Notwithstanding this chapter, a response action contractor who
is found liable for any costs recoverable under this chapter and who
establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that only a portion
of those costs are attributable to the response action contractor's
actions shall be required to pay only that portion of the costs
attributable to the response action contractor's actions.