diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/SkeletonModel.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/SkeletonModel.cpp
index 576545f115..af070a91bd 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/SkeletonModel.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/SkeletonModel.cpp
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ void SkeletonModel::simulate(float deltaTime, bool fullUpdate) {
     hand->getLeftRightPalmIndices(leftPalmIndex, rightPalmIndex);
 
     const float HAND_RESTORATION_RATE = 0.25f;    
-    if (leftPalmIndex == -1) {
+    if (leftPalmIndex == -1 || rightPalmIndex == -1) {
         // palms are not yet set, use mouse
         if (_owningAvatar->getHandState() == HAND_STATE_NULL) {
             restoreRightHandPosition(HAND_RESTORATION_RATE, PALM_PRIORITY);