bar fight compensation

I live in California, the bay area. Recently after a football game a few fights broke out in the bar I was watching the game in. One thing led to another and while I was trying to break up a fight, I was hit in the mouth, purposfully. My lip was split open and I was taken to the emergency room and had to get stiches and X-rays. I have about a 1 inch scar on my upper lip that may not go away. I am now starting to get the medical bills and they are slowly adding up, not to mention the constant pain when I eat or talk for more than a few hours. My question is, can I hold this establishment responsible for what happened? This place has a history of fights, the police are ususally there every other night, I found out after my incident. Anyone ever have a similar problem and how did you handle this? Or can anyone recommend a lawyer for me to contact.

Thanks

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You're entitled to nothing. You injected yourself into the fracas, and thereby "assumed the risk" of being hit. You could have stepped back, or left. But, you involved yourself and are, thereby, responsible for your own damages.

IAAL

A number of years ago when I was in the navy the same situation happened to me while in California. Minding my own business and four men approached, hit me in the face with a beer bottle. I protected myself and other than being hit with a beer bottle I held my own and came out ok. I also drove to the emergency room and received four stiches to the chin. I called an attorney and asked the same question that you are asking and he stated that I did not have a case. He stated that I could go after the thugs, but having them in jail was enough to satisfy me. Received medical attention on a naval base so no medical bills from the incident. Since you have medical bills your case might be a little different. You can always get a free consult.