diff --git a/code/datums/traits/negative.dm b/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
index 62cb8e0999..f42fe688c5 100644
--- a/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
+++ b/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
@@ -345,10 +345,12 @@
 	gain_text = "<span class='danger'>You find yourself unable to speak!</span>"
 	lose_text = "<span class='notice'>You feel a growing strength in your vocal chords.</span>"
 	medical_record_text = "Functionally mute, patient is unable to use their voice in any capacity."
+	var/datum/brain_trauma/severe/mute/mute
 
 /datum/quirk/mute/add()
 	var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = quirk_holder
-	H.gain_trauma(TRAIT_MUTE, TRAUMA_RESILIENCE_SURGERY)
+	mute = new
+	H.gain_trauma(mute, TRAUMA_RESILIENCE_SURGERY)
 
 /datum/quirk/mute/on_process()
 	if(quirk_holder.mind && LAZYLEN(quirk_holder.mind.antag_datums))
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/brain/brain_item.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/brain/brain_item.dm
index 601dd2dc2f..17f81981d1 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/brain/brain_item.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/brain/brain_item.dm
@@ -323,9 +323,11 @@
 		return FALSE
 	if(!resilience)
 		resilience = initial(trauma.resilience)
+	if(!owner)
+		return FALSE
 	if(owner.stat == DEAD)
 		return FALSE
-		
+
 	var/resilience_tier_count = 0
 	for(var/X in traumas)
 		if(istype(X, trauma))