What is the test for a successful plaintiff to recover costs in a medical malpractice case?

"The right to recover costs under California law is governed by statute." (Smock v. State of California (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 883, 889 (Smock).) "Except as otherwise expressly provided by statute, a prevailing party is entitled as a matter of right to recover costs in any action or proceeding." ( 1032, subd. (b).) "Absent statutory authority, 'the court has no discretion to deny costs to the prevailing party.' " (LAOSD Asbestos Cases (2018) 25 Cal.App.5th 1116, 1124.)

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