Washington Supreme Court September 24, 1998, Nos. 65256-2; 65515-4 (Kottler v. State)

lead-opinion

Sanders, J.

We are asked whether a settling party in a civil tort action is entitled to contribution from another alleged tortfeasor based upon a pretrial settlement with a fault-free injured party. We hold such settling party may not seek contribution unless joint and several liability arises under one of the exceptions listed in RCW 4.22.