What if any can I do to get unemployment and what are my rights as an employee?

I worked as a porter in a men's shelter for almost three years. I have no right ups at all. I was told by my supervisor to never let the clients take anything from my work cart because of the chemicals etc. they may have a chance to harm others. One morning as I began my duties, I was talking with the safety monitor who was assigned to my floor when I noticed a client taking an item from my cart. I told the client he was not supposed to be taking items in which I later discovered was only a paper towel. The client began to speak to me with curse words. I responded with my own curse, but then told the client to leave me alone. The client continued to address me with curse words. I continued to ask the client to leave me alone. He then walked away but came back with a walking stick and began hitting me with it. I defended myself. I was fired. I applied for unemployment and was contested. On the grounds, I could've called for help but help was there.