Court Was Authorized to Appoint Umpire Pending Party's Appeal, 7th Cir. Rules

CHICAGO - A trial court did not err in appointing an umpire pending a party's appeal of the denial of its motion to de-consolidate the arbitration because that issue was not appealable, a federal appellate court has ruled. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Inc. v. BCS Insurance Co., Nos. 11-2343, 11-2757 (7th Cir.).

On Dec. 16, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals noted that courts may not review arbitration rulings until the arbitration has concluded.

BCS Insurance Co. is a captive insurer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In 2003, healthcare providers filed class action suits in …