In Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas v. Juneau (Tex.App. 2003) 114 S.W.3d 126, the arbitration was held before an AAA arbitrator. In a case of first impression under Texas law, the appellate court held that arbitral immunity applied: "We believe that Texas public policy favors the extension of immunity to arbitrators. Independence of judgment and freedom from the threat of lawsuits initiated by dissatisfied parties are essential to the success of the arbitration process. Because Texas encourages arbitration and arbitrators are essential actors in furtherance of that policy, it is appropriate that immunity be extended to arbitrators for acts within the scope of their duties." (Blue Cross, supra, 114 S.W.3d at p. 133.)