diff --git a/karton/core/task.py b/karton/core/task.py
index 8eb8c1c..b50399a 100644
--- a/karton/core/task.py
+++ b/karton/core/task.py
@@ -423,7 +423,11 @@ def unserialize_resources(value: Any) -> Any:
         if parse_resources:
             task_data = json.loads(data, object_hook=unserialize_resources)
         else:
-            task_data = orjson.loads(data)
+            try:
+                task_data = orjson.loads(data)
+            except orjson.JSONDecodeError:
+                # fallback, in case orjson raises exception during loading
+                task_data = json.loads(data, object_hook=unserialize_resources)
 
         # Compatibility with Karton <5.2.0
         headers_persistent_fallback = task_data["payload_persistent"].get(