diff --git a/api.lua b/api.lua
index e38c04b..4778d5c 100644
--- a/api.lua
+++ b/api.lua
@@ -2783,6 +2783,10 @@ function mob_class:on_punch(hitter, tflp, tool_capabilities, dir)
 	and tflp >= punch_interval then
 
 		local v = self.object:get_velocity()
+
+		-- sanity check
+		if not v then return end
+
 		local kb = damage or 1
 		local up = 2