My severance contract states I will be paid seven thousand dollars, but then is followed by (2,853.00) in parenthesis. Can I fight for the 7k?

The answer is "yes," you can fight for anything; but there is no assurance of the outcome. In general, when words and figures differ in instruments calling for the payment of money, the words control. However, because of the ambiguity in the agreement, it may be possible for your employer to make the case that the true intention of the parties -- as evidenced by other documents -- is to make the smaller payment.