Can I sue a club if a bouncer injured me?

I've had a lot of experience suing bars and clubs for injuries that occur due to negligent security.  You could sue both the bouncer and the club.  From what you described, the bouncer would be liable for a battery for using more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances.  The club could also be liable for the bouncer's actions (assuming he was an employee) under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds an employer liable for torts committed by their employees.  Because the bouncer was engaged in an activity for the benefit of the club when he injured you, the club could be liable even though what the bouncer did was intentional.  The fact that you had attempted to steal a bottle of alcohol from the bar does automatically not ruin your case, but it could make you less than sympathetic if the case went to a jury.  Re: the other people who said the bouncer was too aggressive...did you get any names/contact information?  Do you know who these people are?  Witnesses are always helpful.  You may want to file a police report for assault and battery to document the incident.  However, this might prompt the bar to file a report for attempted petty theft.