diff --git a/stats/monster_primary.lua b/stats/monster_primary.lua
index ee80df247b..211efe797a 100644
--- a/stats/monster_primary.lua
+++ b/stats/monster_primary.lua
@@ -149,7 +149,10 @@ function update(dt)
 
 		if self.fallDistance > minimumFallDistance and -self.lastYVelocity > minimumFallVel and mcontroller.onGround() and not inLiquid() then
 			--fall damage is proportional to max health, with 100.0 being the player's standard
-			local healthRatio = math.sqrt(status.stat("maxHealth") / 100.0)
+			local healthRatio = status.stat("maxHealth") / 100.0
+			if healthRatio > 1.0 then
+				healthRatio = math.sqrt(healthRatio)
+			end
 
 			local damage = (self.fallDistance - minimumFallDistance) * fallDistanceDamageFactor
 			damage = damage * (1.0 + (world.gravity(mcontroller.position()) - baseGravity) * gravityDiffFactor)