diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/organs/organ_external.dm b/code/modules/surgery/organs/organ_external.dm
index 1111aee9f6b..682dd546920 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/organs/organ_external.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/organs/organ_external.dm
@@ -307,8 +307,7 @@
 				//And pass the pain around
 				var/obj/item/organ/external/target = pick(possible_points)
 				target.receive_damage(brute, burn, sharp, used_weapon, forbidden_limbs + src, ignore_resists = TRUE) //If the damage was reduced before, don't reduce it again
-
-			if(dismember_at_max_damage && body_part != UPPER_TORSO && body_part != LOWER_TORSO && !HAS_TRAIT(owner, TRAIT_IPC_JOINTS_SEALED)) // We've ensured all damage to the mob is retained, now let's drop it, if necessary.
+			if(owner && dismember_at_max_damage && body_part != UPPER_TORSO && body_part != LOWER_TORSO && !HAS_TRAIT(owner, TRAIT_IPC_JOINTS_SEALED)) // We've ensured all damage to the mob is retained, now let's drop it, if necessary.
 				droplimb(1) //Clean loss, just drop the limb and be done
 
 	var/mob/living/carbon/owner_old = owner //Need to update health, but need a reference in case the below check cuts off a limb.