Pleural plaques are areas of thick scar tissue in the chest lining and diaphragm, indicating exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. However, sufferers in England and Wales are unable to claim compensation for incurring the condition. In October 2007, the House of Lords — now the Supreme Court — upheld a Court of Appeal decision preventing people with pleural plaques from claiming compensation (Rothwell v Chemical & Insulating Co Ltd and others [2007] UKHL 39). The Scottish parliament reversed the decision in Scotland by passing the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 (the Damages Act), which enables victims suffering from pleural plaques to bring personal injury claims for compensation.